PR 5499 
.S45 C3 
Copy 1 



PRICE 1^ CE1NTS9*. 




GathGrinG Howard. 



AN HISTORICAL PLAY, IN THREE ACTS. 

[From the celebrated Play of that name by Alexander Du- 
mas,] adapted 

BY ^^r. E>. sitter, Esq.. 

Author of " The Prisoner of FigneroUes" etc. 



AS FIRST PERFOBMED AT THE SURREY THEATRE, LONDON, 

IN 1858. 



TO WHICH AUG ADDED 



A (lescriptiou of Itie Costiiine— Ciist of tlie Characters — Entrances and Eslts — 

Relative Posi(ioii« of t)ie Peifonnei-s on the Stage, and 

the wttole of the Stage Business. 



[eto-iJoifft : 



ROBERT M. DE WITT, PUBLISHER, 
ijU^'^V '^'^' "^'^ E<^sf* street. 




AOir f ^^p'jfJe'?5"(?n?s'.^ MONEY BOX. A Farce. By Harry Len.on.., 

BEADT. 1 THE YOUNG COLLECIAN. (The Cantab.) A Farce. By T. 
I W. EobertBon. Price 15 Cents. ■' " 



ETHIOPIAN AND COMIC DRAMA. 



Nothing so thorough aud complete in the way of Ethiopian and Comic Dramas has ever 
been printed a« those that appear in the following list/ Not only are the plots excellent, the 
characters droll, the incidents funny, tlie language humorous, but all the situations, by -play, 
positions, pantomimic business, scenery, and tricks are so plainly set down and clearly 
explained that the merest novice could jKit any of them on the stage. Included in this 
Catalogue are all the most laughable and effective pieces of their class ever produced. 

*:j.* In ordering please cop3-the figures at 'the commencement of each piece, which 
indicate the number of the jiiece iu " De Witt's Ethiopian and Comic Drama." 

j6®= Aay of the following Plays sent, postage free, on receipt of price — Fifteen Cen is 
each. 

f^S" The figure following the name of the Play denotes the number of Acts. The 
figures in the columns indicate the number of characters — 'SI. male; F. female. 



141. Absent Minded, Ethiopian farce. 1 

act 3 1 

7.3. African Box, burlesque, 2 scenes. . . 5 
107. African as Bluel)eard, musical Ethi- 
opian burlesque, 1 scene 6 2 

113. Ambition, farce, 2 scenes 7 

1.33. Awful Plot (An) Ethiopian farce, la. 3 1 
43. Baby Elephant, sketch, 2 scenes... 7 1 
42. Bad" Whiskey, Irish sketch, 1 scen^ *} I 
79. Barney's Courtship, musical inter- 
lude, lact 1 2 

40. Big Mistake, sketch, 1 scene 4 

6. Black Chap from Whitechapel, Ne- 
gro piece 4 

10. Black Chemist, sketch, 1 scene 3 

11. Black-Ey'd William, sketch, 2 scenes 4 1 
146. Black Forrest (The), Ethiopian farce, 

1 act 2 1 

110. Black Magician (De), Ethiopian com- 
icality 4 2 

126 Black Statue (The). Negro farce 4 2 

127. Blinks and Jniks, Ethiopian sketch. 3 1. 

128. Bobolino, the Black Bandit, Ethio- 

pian musical farce, 1 act 2 1 

120. Body Suatchers (The),Negro sketch, 

2 scenes 3 1 

78. Bogus Indian, .sketch, 4 scenes 5 2 

89. Bogus Talking Machine (The), farce, 

1 scene 4 

24. Bruised aud Cured, sketch, 1 scene. 2 
1U8. Charge of the Hash Brigade, comic 

Irish ravi.sical sketch 2 2 

148. Christmas Eve in the South, Ethio- 

l^ian farce, 1 act 6 2 

35. Coal Heaver's Revenge, Negro sketch. 

1 scene 6 

112. Coming Man (The), Ethiopian sketch, 

2 scenes 3 1 

41. Cremation, sketch, 2. scenes 8 1 

144. Crowded Hotel (The), sketch, 1 sc. 4 1 
140. Cupid's Frolics, sketch. 1 scene 5 1 

12 Daguerreotypes, sketch, 1 scene 3 

.53. Damon aud Pythijis, burlesque, 2 ."SC. 5 1 
63. Darkey's Stratagem, sketch. 1 scene 3 1 
131. Darkey Sleep Walker (The), Ethio- 

jiian sketch, 1 scene 3 1 



83. 

77. 

17. 

.58. 
31. 
20. 
82. 
130. 

86. 

70. 

61. 

142. 

23. 
118. 

3. 

48. 

68. 
1.50. 

71. 
123 



Deaf as a Post, Ethiopian sketch.. . 2 
Deeds of Darkness, Ethiopian ex- 
travaganza, 1 act 6 1 

Desperate Situation (A), farce, 1 sc. 5 2 

Draft (The ). sketch, 2 scenes 6 

Dutchman's Ghost, 1 scene 4 1 

Dutch Justice, laughable sketch. 

1 scene 11 

Editor's Troubles, farce, 1 scene. . . 6 

Eh ? What is it ? sketch 4 1 

Election Day, Ethiojiian farce. 2 sc. 6 1 
Elopement (The), fai'ce. 2 scenes. . . 4 1 

Excise Trials, sketch, 1 scene 10 1 

Fellow that Looks like Me, inter- 
lude, 1 scene 2 1 

First Night (The~i, Dutch farce, 1 act 4 2 
Fisherman's Luck, sketch, 1 scene. 2 
Fuu in a Cooiier's Shop. Ethiopian 

sketch 6 

Gambi'inus, King of Lager Beer, 

Ethiopian burlesque, 2 scenes — 8 1 
German Emigrant (The), sketch, Isc. 2 2 
Getting Square on the Call Boy, 

sketch, 1 scene 3 

Ghost (The). Sketch, 1 act 2 

Ghost in a Pawn Shop, sketch, 1 sc. 4 

Glycerine Oil, sketch, 2 scenes 3 

Going for ths Cup. interlude 4 

Good Night's Best, sketch, 1 scene. 3 
Go aud get Tight, Ethiopian sketch, 

1 scene 6 

Gripsack, sketch. 1 scene 3 

Guide to the Stage, sketch 3 

Happy Couple. 1 scene 2 1 

Happy Uncle Kufus, Ethiopian mu- 
sical sketch, 1 scene 1 1 

Hard Times, extravaganza. 1 scene. 5 1 
Helen's Funny Babies, burlesque. 

1 act 6 

Hemmed In. s'cetch 3 '■ 

High Jack, the Heeler, sketch, 1 sc. 6 

Hippotheatron, sketch 9 

How to Pay the Rent, force. 1 scene 6 

In and Out, sket<-h. 1 scenp 2 

IiiteUigence Office (The), Ethiopian 
sketch, 1 scene 2 1 



CATIIEKIAE HOWARD; 

OB, 

THE THRONE, THE TOMB, AND THE SCAFFOLD. 

%\x fislancal flaw, 
IN THKEE ACTS. 

FROM THE CELEBRATED PLAY OF THAT NAME ST 

ALEXAISTDKE DUMAS. 

ADAPTED 

B^ W. D. SUTEE, 

Author of "The Prisoner of Pignn-nHes," " Tlie Quirt Famihj," ^^ Brother Bill and Me^-^ 
" Gin me my Wife" etc., etc. 



AS FIRST PERFORMED AT THE SURREY THEATRE, LONDON, UNDER 
THE MANAGEMENT OF MR. CRESWICK, 1858. 



TO WHICH IS ADDED 



A rVESCRIPTION OF THE COSTUMES — CAST OF THE CHARACTERS EN- 
TRANCES AXD EXITS RELATIVE rOSITIONS OF THE PER- 
FORMERS ON THE STA(iE, AND THE WHOLE 
OF THE STAOK BUSINESS. 



NEW YOUK: 

ROBERT M. DE WITT, PUBLISHER, 

No. 33 'jRosE Stkret, 



CAIUEKIXE IIOWAUD. 



FRS?;^ 



rA 



CAST OF CHARACTERS. 

Surrey Tlieairt, 
Ldiidon, 1858. 

Henry VIII:, King of Eng-land (Tragedian) Mr. B. Potter. 

Athelwold, Duke ot Northumberland (Tragedy Lead) Mr. Ckeswicb 

Archbishop Cranmor (Old Man) Mr. Vollaire. 

Duke of Sussex ( Walking: Gentleman) Mr. W. Veunos 

Duke of Norfolk " Mr. Wkioht. 

Orand Chamberlain (Utility) Mr. Jones. 

Lieutenant of the Tower (Utility) Mr. Stuetton. 

Fleming, an Alchemist (1st Utility) Mr. Perfit. 

Page to Athelwold (Walking Lady) Miss Henzell. 

Martin Krinkly, a Cordwainer (1st Low Comedian) 

Sim-on Kreetnnr, a Weaver (2d Low Comedian) 

Captain of Guard (Utility) Mr. David. 

Executioner (Utility) Mr. Butler. 

Lords, Pages, etc. 

Princess Margaret, Sister to the King (Walking Lady) Miss E. Webster. 

Catherine Howard, his Fifth Wife (Tragedy Lead) Mrs. Hudson Kibbv 

Dame Kennedy, her Nurse (t)ld Woman) Mrs. Atkins. 

Winifred Krinkly, Wife to Martin (Chambermaid) 

Ladies of Honor, etc., etc. 



COSTUMES.— Keign of Henry VIII, 1942. 



ILL USTRA TIVE NO TES. 

The events of this play extend over a period of some twenty months, comraeneing 
•with King Henry VIII.'s divorcement from Anne of Cleves, June, 1540, and termi- 
nating with the beheadal of the heroine, 1512. 

Portraits of tlie principal persons represented, were painted by Hans Holbein, and 
are engraved in Holbein's Portraits of Illustrious Personages of the Court of Henry 
VIII., by Chamberlain, with Memoirs by Lodge, seventy Portraits tinted in inuta- 
tion of the orignials, folio, 1828 ; Lodge's Portraits of Illustrious Englishmen ; Har- 
ding's Shakspeare Illustrated, and in many otlier works ; also in Knight's Pictorial 
Shaksijeare, which contains wood engravings of many of the localities from contem- 
poraneous or early authorities with some portraits, ivhich see. 

King Henry, the second son of Henry VII., was born at Greenwich, 28th June, 
1491— married the widow of his brother Arthur, Katharine of Aragon, June 25, 1503 
—became king April 22, 150^. In 1527 it is supposed that he first saw Anne Boleyn, 
whom he privately married in Januarv, 153"? (Burnet says the November previous). 
Elizabeth was born in September of the same year. He was divorced from Anne 
Boleyn May, ISSfi— married Jane Seymour the same month, the day after Anne's 
execution. Jane Seymour died in October, 153"; he then (January, 1540), married 
Annie of Cleves, who was his wife but one night— in six month? the proceedings for 
a divorce terminated; and on the 8th of August he married his fifth wife. Lady 
Catherine Howard, whom he beheaded in February, 1542. In July, 1543, he married 



CATIIEEINE UOWAKD. d 

Catherine Parr, and died 27tli of January, 1547. There ia a fine portrait by Holbeia 
repeatedly engraved. 

Cardinal Campf.ics. — Lawrence Campcjus, l«rii at Bologna, was auditor of the 
Rota and Bishop o( Feltiia, then created t'ardin;il, was sent legate to England in 
3 jl8, to prevail ou t.ie king to enter upon a war against the Turks, which Henry 
was dissuaded Itoia by Wolscy ; lie was LowvL'ver well received, and made Bishop of 
Salisbury ; he then i«turned to Rome. His last visit to England was upon account 
of the divorce of KatliiU-ine, in which pcoceediug, by yielding io the queen's appeal 
to Rome, and iiis unwillingness to pi^eeed to the extremities desired by Henry, he 
greatly disptea-sed tlie king, who deprived him of his see of Salisbury. He was an 
eKcelleiit -schular, and a benefcietor to men of learning ; and died ia Rome, August, 
1339. See a curious print taken from a medal, engraved in Harding. 

Capvcws. — iiustaekio Chapuys, ajnbas.sadoi' f roja Charles V., Eaaperor of Spain. 

Ckanmec— Tiioiaas Crancicr, the second son of Thomas Cranmer and Agnes 
Hatfield his wife, wis Iwrn at AslactoR, Northamptonshire, July 2, 1489. In 1 J03 
3ie was plaefd by Ji:s mother, theji a widfl'W, at Jesus College, Cambridge, of which 
3ie became a. fellow in 1510-11. Before twenty-throe years of age he maiTied a 
woman of hujiible station hut good character, who ^licd in childlved about a year 
after. In 1523 be toot the degree <st' D.D, The inuaediate cajise of his advance- 
ment wa.s the opinion he gave in favor ot the ting's divorce, for -whiclLhe was made 
Royal Chaplain. In 1530, senitt with others into France, Italy and <j«rmany, to col- 
lect opinions ia behalf of the dissolution of the marriage : at Rome he presented his 
!)ook in favor of the king's divorce to the Pupe, and offered t>3dispnte openly against 
the validity of his juarriiigc, but his ■ehallenge w as not aeoepted. At this time the 
Rope constitwteii him " Supreme Penitcntiaiy thi^onglioat England, Ireland and 
Wales," not so much fiwre kindness as to tjuiet his active and inquiring spirit, and 
prevent his Joining the ranks of the Refoi-mers. In 1532, during his residence abroad, 
he maiTied the niece of his friend, Osiander, Pastor of Nureniberg, butthe marriage 
was for the tiiae concealed. Upon the death of Warham, Archhishop of Canterbury, 
Cranmer was nominated his successor, fent he refused to accept the dignity, unless 
3ie received it direct from the king, without the intervention of the Pope. He pro- 
nounced the sentence of <ii\"orce again.st. Katharine, tor wliiclt. he was exeommunica- 
ted by the Roman Pontifl', and married tlse king to Annie Boleyn. After the con- 
viction of that queen, lie ijronouneed her maixiage with the king nnll, bat pleaded 
■warmly -with Heniy for her life. He concurred in and pronounced the divorce of 
Anne of Cleves, and gave that information to the king which led to the trial and 
execution, of Catherine Howard. About this time he successfully interceded •with 
Henry on behalf of liis daughter Mary, and prevented her being conamitted to the 
Tower and suffering as a subject, because she hesitated to deny the Pope's spiritual 
supremacy. Upon the king's death he was named one of the regents of the king- 
dom and an executor of his 'wilL In Febniary, 3546, he crowned Edward VI., to 
■whomi he had l>e<in godfather. Ujxin the aecossiciiot Mary, whoselife ho had proba- 
bly preserved, he at once became tlie object of porseetition, and in November, 1553, 
was attainted of high treason — he having signed a proclamation after Edward's 
death deelarin-g Lady Jane Grey the sovereign, in place cf the Princess Mary — was 
found guilty, but upon his humble and repeated application he was pardoned the 
treason, but proceeded against for heresy. In 1554, at Oxiord, he was with Latimer 
and Pidley, condemned to death for refusing to subscriba to the tenets of popery. 
Hitherto he had manifested courage, but human frailty made him at this time com- 
mit a grievous error; upon a leprescutat ion that his life would be spared, he re- 
canted protestantism and embrace 1 tlie Romish faith ; but Gardiner and Mary had 
resolved wjion his death, and he was sentenced to be burnt alive. On March 21 he 
was brought U> St. Mary's Church, where he was desired publicly to repeat his belief 
in popery ; this Cranmev steadily refused, ci-ying aloud, " As for the Pope, I refuse 
liiin as Christ's enemy and anti-Christ, with aU his false doctrines." Upon which he 
wa.s k'd to ! Jic tf ako, and iii'ij being applied to l!ie faggots he stretched out his right 



4 CATHKltliSE HOWAED. 

hand (with which he had signed his recantatiou) and held it in the fiaiuos until it 
•was consumed, repeatedly exclaimiug, " This unworthy liand ! " He suitVred with 
the most exemplary patience and fortitude, being in the sixty-seventh year of his 
age. An original portiait m the Picture Gallery at Oxford, engraved in Harding, 
Lodge, &c. 

IJUKE ur Noi; FOLK.— Thomas Howard, the third duke. Although an unscniptt- 
lous servant, his devotion was forgotten by the king in his fears that lie might dis- 
tiu'b the succession ; he was therefore accused, and of coursecanvicted, \>y his peers, 
of high treason, a hill of attainder also i^assing the House of Lords. Be wiis or- 
dered for execution on the 28th January, 15i7, but the death of the regal ghoul at 
two in the morning of that day saved him. He died in 1554. His poitrait at Wind- 
sor is engi-avcd in Harding and Lodg-e. 

Lord Chamberlain. — Sir William, created Lord Sands, 1523, succeeded Loi'ck 
Worcester as Chamberlain, 1526. 



THE SG'ENEBT AND LOCALITIES. 

ACT I. — The action of the first scene takes place at the King's Palace at Bride- 
•w«ll, a pile of considerable magnitiaxie, a.nd passessed of rauch arehiteetural elegance. 
The Thames front, with its itapoeing castelliited aspect — (see Pictcn-ial Sh&hsjMai-e, 
Henry VIII., Act III.) —reached) the rivet hanks, and extended northwiud as far 
asSt. Bride's Clhurch ; it h«»d alsa a miagiiificent pxteriw faeing Fleet Hiver, <xn the- 
other side of which th* Monastery of the Bkiokfriars was located. Bolh the palace 
and church derived tlvHar naiae frosa St. Bride or Bridget, to whosi the chuYoh wan. 
dedicated, the palace taking the adrlition. of well oi- Bride's Well from ;t spring, 
near it, which still letcains, and siipiylios a puiap at the bottom of Bride Lane. 

Scene 2d.— Street. Seeac-ut in P-ictorial S/ittih-speare, Henry VIII. 

ACT 11.— Scene Isf —CTiapeT Vaults. The male efiigiea ©a tombs have the 
Northumberland lion at their feet, thefeatale, a g-reyhO'und. 

Scene 2rf. — Street. 

Scene Sff.— Reception Chamber. The Kon will ftgm-e on pcnncms and banneretss 
en the wall. 

ACT III.— &;ene l«f.— Tlironc-roorn-. Hangings of crim.scm satin and damask, 
iringed deeply with gold,, cipher of " H," canopy, chair of State, with royal armst 
etc., etc. The psint by Vertue, of "Henry VIII. granting the Barber-surgeons* 
charter," shows the royal seat in position. 

Scene 2(?.— To enable the removal to he made of the throne-room paraphemali:*. 

Scene 3<^.— Queen's chamber. 

Scene 4/7f.— Plain room, dark panelling. 

Scene 5tt.— Tower cell. See Geo. Cruikshank's etchings of State Executions ii» 
Ainsworth's " Tower of London," etc. 



COSTUMES. 

{From, Kniglifs " Pictorial Shalspfore."} 

BY J. K. PLANCHE. 

The male costume of the roign of King Henn- V ITT. hag been rendefcd familiar 
by inmunoraWe portraits of '-Bluff Kin',' Hil," principally coTiicd from the paint- 
ings by ITollioin, and t!:e tema'e co.^tunic scarcely less so hy tl.ose of his s'x wives. 



CATHERINK HOWAllD. O 

The best authority for the dress of the monarch and his nobles would be the full- 
length by Holbein, engraved in " Lodge's Portraits," or the print by Vertue, in 
which Henry is seen granting a charter to the Barber-sui-geons. For Duke of Nor- 
folk, Cavendish's " Life of Wolsey," a MS. copy formerly in possession of Francis 
Douce, has three very curious drawings, representing — 1st, Cardinal Wolsey's pro- 
gress on his way to France, with archers, spearmen, cross, pillar, and purse-bearers, 
&a. ; 2dly, The cardinal sui-rendering the great seal to the Dukes of Norfolk and 
Suffolk ; and, 3dly, Dr. Butts sent by the King and Anne Boleyntothe sick cardinal 
with tokens ot tavor. Engraved in the Pictorial Shakspeare. 

In the same beautiful work by Lodge, before mentioned, another portrait will be 
found of the Duke of Norfolk, by Holbein ; and Cranmer, by Flick, the original 
painting being in the British JIusL^um. Also a most interesting one of Titian's Earl 
of Surrey, represented in a magnificent suit of armor, thereby giving us a splendid 
specimen of the military costume of the period. In addition to the information con- 
veyed to the eye by this collection of authentic portraits, it will be sufficient to 
quote, from the sumptuary law passed in the 21th year of Henry's reign, such pas- 
sages as will describe the materials of which the dresses were made, and which were, 
indeed, at this time of the most costly description. The royal family alone were 
permitted to use tire fur of the black genet -, and sables could only be worn by noble- 
men above the rank of a viscount. Crimson or blue velvet, embroidered apparel, or 
garments bordered " with gold sunken work," were forbidden to any person beneath 
tbe quality of a baron or knight's son or heir ; and velvet dresses of any color, furs 
of martens, chains, bracelets, and collars of gold, were prohibited to all persons pos- 
sessing less than two hundred marks per annum. The sons and heirs of such per- 
sons were, however, permitted the use of black velvet or damask, and tawny-colored 
russet or camlet. Satin and damask gowns were confined to the use of persons pos- 
sessing at least one hundred marks per annum ; and the wearing of plaited shirts, 
j^arnished with gold, silver or silk, was permitted to none below the I'ank of knight- 
hood. The hair was cut remarkably close, a peremptory order having been issued by 
Henry to all his attendants and courtiers to " poll their heads." Beards and mous- 
taches were worn at pleasure. 

The jewelled cap and feather with which Holbein has represented Anne Boleyn in 
the portraits engi-aved in Cavendish's " Life of Wolsey," are exceedingly picturesque. 
The other head-dress, probably the oflen-talked-of " French hood," is better known, 
nearly all Henry's wives being represented in it, Tlie gown was cut square at the 
bosom, as in the preceding reign ; but instead of the neck being bare, it was covered 
9,lmost to the throat by the partlel, a sort of habit-shirt, much like the modem one, 
embroidered with gold and silk. The sleeves of the gowns were frequently of a dif- 
ferent material from that which composed the rest of the dress, and generally of a 
richer stuff. The gown was open in front to the waist, showing the kh-tle or petti- 
coat, and-Njith or without a train, according to the prevailing fashion of France or 
Holland. Ann«of Cleves is described as wearing a gown made round without any 
train, afrer the Dutch fashion ; while the train of Catherine Parr is stated to have 
been more than two yards long. A minute account is given by Hall of the corona- 
tion of Queen Anne Boleyn, and also by Cavendish, who has describfd the proces- 
ision and the ceremony. On one occasion she wore a surcoat of white cloth of tissue, 
anil a mantle of the same, furred with ermine, her hair hanging down from under a 
coif, with a circlet about it full of rich stones ; on a second, a surcoat and robe of 
purple velvet, furred with ci-mine, the coif and circlet as before. The barons of the 
Cinque Ports, who carried the canopy'~over her, were " all in crimson, with points of 
blue and red hanging on their sleeves." The ladies, " being lords' wives," that fol- 
lowed her, " liad surcoats of scarlet with narrow sleeves, the breast all lettice (fur), 
with bars of borders {i. «., rows of ermine) according to their degrees, and over that 
they had mantles of scar'et furred, and every mantle had lettice about the neck, like 
a nockercher, likewise powdered (with ermine), so that by the powderings their dc- 
£;'ree was known. Then followed ladies, being knights's wives, in gowns of scarlet 



b CATUIiKlNJE HOWAKB. 

■with narroTT sleeves, ■without trains, oaly edged with lettice." The qneen's gentle- 
women were similarly attired with the last. The lord chancellor wore a robe of 
scarlet, open before, and bordered ■with lettice. The dukes were in crimson velvet, 
furred with ermine, and powdered according to their degrees. The Duke of Suffolk's* 
doublet and jacket were set with orient xjearl ; his gown of crimson velvet, richly 
embroidered ;, and he carried a white rod in his hand, being tliat day high steward 
ot England. The knights of the Bath wore " violet gowns, ■with hoods purfled ■with 
miniver, like doctors." 



ADDITIONAL NOTES. 

BX T. H^ LACY, ESQ. 

Soon afterthe accession of Hsnry VIII, the Icmg pettieoat dresses of the previcros 
reign were cast aside, and close hose fitted exactly to the limbs, were almost univer- 
sally adopted, and trunk breeches were usually connected with the cl<3se hose, 
" The lower parts were never so scanted, but tlae upper made ample amends for the 
fault, for the doublets were so bonibasted ■with linings, and. the sleeves so stuffed out, 
that they were cumbersome both to the body ami arms," — Vramuier's Bible, with 
wood-cuts, 1540, The ladaes followed the example of the gentlemen, and invented a. 
kind of doublet with high wings and xjuft'ed sleeves— this garment was in full fashion 
to the beginning of Eliziibcth's reign. Henry VIII, woie a round flat cap of scarlet 
er of velvet,, with a bi-ooch or jewel,, and a feather; "divers gentlemen, courtiers, 
and others did the like. The youtliiul citizens also took, to tlie new fashion of flat 
eaps, knit of wooUem yarn, black, but so- tight that they were forced to tie thenn 
under their chins, for else the ■wind would be- master over tliem. The king wore 
cloth hose, cut out ot ell broad taffeta, when there cauie not, by great eliajice, a pair 
of silk stoekings- from Spain."— v?to«e. Upon the day preceding, his coronation, 
Henry " wared on. his uppermost apparell a robe of ■jrimsyn velvet, jjined with 
ermine; his jacket, a cote of raised gold,, the placard embro^wdcred ■with diamonds, 
rubies, emeralds, great pearles, and other rich stones ; a great ^lauderick about his- 
neck of large fctiLi-sses ; his knights and esquires in crimson velvet, and ivll the gen- 
tlemen, and all the servantsand hcusehold servantswere' apparellecJ iw skarlet."' 
" The queen sitting in li-cr litter, borne by twa white pitlfreys, trapped in wliite cloth 
©f gold, her person appareloil in white satyn emhrowdered, he? hair Banginfj down 
to her ba-eke of a very gi'oat lecg'th, hewtiful and goodly to behold, and on her hedde- 
a coronallset ■with aiany rich Orient stones." Tlie gloves- partook of the' general 
richness in construction : we read of " a payer of gloves, lised ■with while velvet, 
trimmed with eight buttons and eight small aiglets of gold enamelled ; " also knit 
gloves of silk, and handkerchiefs- edged ■with gold and silver, others ■with needle- 
■work. 



PROPERTIES. 



Act I.— /Scene Isf. — Chairs. Scene 2d, tables with fruit and ffowers — toilet table — 
glass— chairs— couch— jewels in cirsket — vial for Athelwold— hand-bell. Act 
II — Scene 1st. — Lamp with lilue flame— ling for King. Scene 3d, sofa, -writing^ 
materials -■vial and key or Athelwold. Act III. — Scen^e 1st — Key and ring as 
before. Scene 5th— Lamp, table, chair, lar.-ge book open, writing materials, cru- 
cifix, bell to toll, ring as before — red mark, r.teel a:s:e ■with red handle — spear' and 
halberds for guards. 

[For Programme of Scenery and Incidents and Stage Directions,, see last page. I 



CATHERINE HOWARD. 



•^ ACT I. 

SCENE I. — deception Chamber in Palace, in 2d grooves. Folding doors, R. 
C, doors L. 1 E , and r. 1 e., a small door, c. in flat. 

Enter DtTKE op Norfolk, and Ddke ov Sussex, l., preceded by the 
Grand Chamberlain, 

Sussex. His majesty is not yet visible "? 

Cham. Not yet, my iord. 

Norfolk. Is there any change in the ordinary ceremonial 1 

Cham. None, my lord. 

Enter Archbishop Cranmer, l. 

Cranmer. Good-inon'ow to yonr lordsliips, {they bow) Tell, me, my 
lords, is tiie diffeience yet settled with James of Scotland 1 

Nor. Ii has hardly commenced ; fur on the instant war will be de- 
clared by our noble king, Henry. 

Cham. My lords, his majesty's sister, the Princess Margaret. 

Enter Princess Margaret, r 1 e., attended — All bow. 

Nor. We were speaking, madam, of the threatened war against Scot- 
land. 

Princess. My lord, since Heaven has kindly given a son unto my 
brother, and so ta'en from me all chance of succeeding to England's 
throne, I no longer seek instruction in war and politics ; therefore, I 
pray that yon will f-pare me the bellicose discussion, {folding doors, r. 
C., are thrown open by Pages.) 

Cham. His majesty approaches. 

Enter Kino Henry, r. c, attended. 

Henry. My lords, gnod-morrow ; sifter, how fares it with thee 1 
{looking around) How, our cousin of Northumberland not yet arrived 1 

Enter Athelwold, l. 1 E, 

Athel. Health fo your m.njesty ! 

Hen. You are welcome, my lord ; we have something for your private 
ear, 



CAIHEKINE UOWAKD. 



Music — the Pages brin^ forward a chair to c. — Henry waves his hand — ■ 
Mauoaret, ^c, go off, r. — Norfolk, Suffoek, ^c, l. — the King's 
Attendants c— doors are closed — Henrt approaches Archbishop 
Cranmer atid bows before /um— Cuanmer raises his hands above 
Henry, and goes off, l. 1 E. 

Athelwold, ray friend— look on me. I am a king, great and powerfiftl — • 
perchance there is not one amongst my subjects by whom I am not 
envied ; and yet I swear to you tiiere are times when I envy tho poorest 
and meanest of my subjects. 

Athel. You, sire ! 

Hen. Yes; for the lowest of my subjects may have a wife and chil- 
dren wiio love him — tlie lowest of my subjects is therefore happier than 
his kin^. 

Athel. But your queens have loved you, sire — and the children they 
have left you 

Hkn Of my four marriages, what now remains to me ? The remem- 
brance of a few days of happines.s, and twenty years of remorse, grief, 
and shame —two daughters wiiom the law lias declared incapable to 
reign, and a sou tliat Heaven lias declared incapable to live. 

Athel. Sire ! a new marriage may yet bring you that happiness 
which hitherlo you have vainly sought. 

Hen. 1 know it, and will once more lenipt my fate; but tliis time my 
queen shall be chosen from amidst liie pei>|)le — she must be young that 
1 may love iier, beautiful tliat she may gratify my pride, and wise that 
I may feailessly confide in iier discietion. 

Athel. Where will your majesty seel; tliis i)aragon— this treasure? 

Hen, Slie is aU'eady found, cousin, and resides on the banks of the 
Tliauies within a few miles of my palace — an aged nurse has reared her 
— since almost from her infancy she 1ms been an oiphan. 

Athel. Iier naniR is. doubtless, as yet a secret. 

Hex. No, coz, tliat you may render me tiie service I am about to ask 
of you, it is eron necessary that you should know i: — her name is Cath- 
erine Howard, {rises,) 

Athel. {clinging to chair for support) Catherine Howard ! 

Hen. Yes, my lord, (smiling) "i'is an obscure name, is it not? — so 
ob.scure that only the eye of Fleming, my Alcliemist eould have discov- 
ered it. 

Athel Fleming ! so it was, he tiiat 

Hen. Yes, in a manner most simple, and (smiling) without having re- 
course to sorcery or enchantment. He was seeking in the neigliborhood 
of London liie lierbs necessary for his chemical operations, when, sur- 
prised by a shower of rain, he sought shelter in the isolated mansion 
inhabited by that girl; so marvellous a tieasure astounded him — he 
knew my iMter)tions, and, on his return, told me of her. 

Athel .\nd on his mere word your majesty has decided 1 

Hen. Oh, no. Ye-sterday. guided by otu* old Alchemist, and per- 
fectly disguised, a boat conveyed us (o the spot where dwells the lady 
who has so occupied our thoughts. 

Athel. And tlier-; ■ 

Hejj. We beheld her — wandering on the banks of the river — and in a 
profound reverie, as if she already felt a presentiment of the high des- 
tiny that awaits h^^r. 

Athel. {quicklg). And — and Fleming had exaggerated ! 

Hen. No — she far e.xcelled all that he had said of her, my lord — -th* 
beauty of Anne Boleyn, the grace of Jane Seymour 



Athel. And you spoke to her? 

Hen. No, my lord, she modestly retired, as she perceived our boat 
approaching her. I intended to have seen her again this day, or, at 
furthest, to-morrow, but tliis sudden war with Scotland has deprived 
me of all leisure ; 1 have, therefore, formed a fresli resolution. You, 
my lord, will to-morrow seek her, with a befitting escort chosen from the 
people of thy palace, and j^ou will bring the young lady hither, and 
confide her to the care of the Princess Margaret, to wiiom, on luy re- 
commendation, she will become a Maid of Honor, And now 1 may no 
longer linger with you, for I aiu stayed for at the council board. Adieu, 
and remember that 1 rely on your devotion to your king. [Exit, h. 1 e. 

Athelwold sinks into chair, for a moment overpowered ; then suddenly 
startmcf up hurries to door, L. c. , at which he knocks violently, and calls. 

Athel. Fleming, Fleming. 
Fleming {ivithout, l c). Who calls 7 

Athel. Forth from your burrow, old fox — to the broad daylight, dis- 
ciple of hell — a Christian would speak with you 

Enter Fleming, d. l. c. 

Flem. How can I serve your lordship ? 

Athel. The king has this instant left me. 

Flem. Heaven preserve his majesty. 

Athel. Amen, {raising his hat) Su, old calculator, you have chosen a 
fifth wife for Henry 1 

Flem. Yes, and one, as my science tells me, will make him happy. 

Athel. Your science, then, has lied, most learned Fleming, for tliis 
marriage can never be. 

Flem. Wherefoie 1 

Athel. For this leason — the whom you would cause the king to 
espouse — Catherine Howard, is it not? 

Flem. Yes, well ? 

Athel. Wei!, she is my wife. 

Flem. Mercj' — I am lost. 

Athel. Yes, Fleming, thou art lost; for thou know'st the law which 
after Aiuie Boleyn's death was passed by Henry's orders. 

Flem. Yes, yes. 

Athel. This law condemns to the same scaffold the Queen who, not 
being a maiden, wedded tiie king, without avowing first tiie truth, and 
nil others, male and female, who shall have counselled or aided in llie 
marriage. Solio ! you promised him a wife, young, beautiful, and vir- 
tuous; Catherine is all these — but tiiink you that such virtue woiil.l 
content the judge of Catherine of Aragon, the executioner of Anne 
Boleyn ? 

Flem. Confess all to him, my lord, and he will pardon you, for me , 

Athel. Pardon I oh yes — and would make of my wife a Maid of 
Honor to Princess Margaret— would send me to do battle in the High- 
lands ! no, Fleming, no, no ! 

Flem. Oh, my lord, have pity on me. 

Athel. Pity for thee ! whose y)andering search has crushed my every 
hope in life — who over my bright a-nd golden days has cast a pall-like 
shadow ! who 1 prithee is to pity me? 

Flem. Oli, is there no way by which your happiness and my life may 
be preserved ? 

Athel. Yes, one wav. 



10 CA.THE11INK HOWARD. 

Flem. Ah! 

Athel. Dangerous. 

Flem. No matier. 

Athel. Desf)erate! 

Flem. Speak ! 

Athel. It is I, who am commissioned by the king to seek Catherine, 
and conduct her to the court. 

Flem. When 1 

Athel. To-morrow 

Flem. Oh, Heaven 

Athel. The king must not again behold her. 

Flem. No, or we are lo.st, for he ah-eady loves her. 

Athel. Then is it necessary that this night she die. 

Flem. My lord, 1 have the most subtle poisons. 

Athel. {seizing him). Miscreant. 

Flem. Mercy ! 

Athel. She must die to the king, and all the ivorld, but she must live 
for me, for me nhne. 

Flem- What would my lord that I should do 1 

Atael. Is there not a di.stillalion which can suddenly arrest the blood 
wilhiii liie veins, stay tlie beatings of the heart, and for a while suspend 
the course of life ] may not this s'.eej) resemble death so closely as to 
deceive the most misliusiful eye ? 

Flem. Yes, my lord, and I possess the secret of that liquid. 

Athel. And can answer for its eftect \ 

Flem. With my life. 

Athel. Well, for that liquid, I will give you more gold than durmg 
an entire year your furnace could produce. 

Flem. Descend with nie, my lord, to my laboratory. 

Athel. And in an hour 1 

Flem. You will leave it with the philtre that you need. 

Athel. {slaying him). A moment, Fleming— you have well understood 
me — this is for you an affair of life or death ! 

Flem. My life is in your lordship's hands! 

Athel. Lead on. [Exeunt l. c. — clear stage, 

SCENE II. — Catherine's Chamber— r/oop* in p. r. c, looking on to open 
country — doors K. and L. — small table, covered icith fruit and flowers, L. 
— toilet table, glass, ^-c, R., chairs, couch, ^c. 

Cathrine enters, D. r. p., leaning on the arm o/ Dame Kennedy. 

Kennedy. We have had but a short walk, my child. 

Cath. Yes, good nurse, for it grows late. 

Ken. The sim has scarcely set, and at this hour, seen from yonder 
height, the horizon is so beautiful. 

Cath (smiling). Yes, magniflcant ; but it is the same sun and the 
same horizon that I saw yesterday, {sits, L.) 

Ken. There, now, you are sad again. 

Cath. Nay, nurse, not sad but wearied. 

Ken. And can you pine amidst the lovely country that surrounds 
you 1 

Catk. Yes ; if I saw it for the first time, I should no doubt think it 
very beautiful ; but for eighteen years I have gazed upon the same pros- 
pect. 

Ken. And how long, then, have /looked upon it and have not wearied 
yet? I tliank Heaven that has enabled me to limit my de.sires to things 



ACT I. 11 

within ray reach, and has never inspired me with thought of happiness 
in aught beyond. 

Cath. And yet, nurse, all tliat is beyond our power of attainment 
must be, indeed, deli<j;liUul. London, they say, 'tis magniflcent. Oh, 
shall I ever inhabit London 1 

Ken. Some day, child — you will marry, for you are too beautiful and 
too good, not to lind a rich and noble husband. 

Cath. {quickly). Oh, yes ; and dwell in London — in a palace— own a 
forest wherein, with falcon on my wrist, I can pursue the game, followed by 
I»ages, and by valets. Ydu shall acc<jnipany me through my estates — 
shall behold tiie receive the homage of my vassals. Oti ! then I shall 
no longer pine, for I shall be rich, and beautiful — ay, and powerful, too 
— shall need but to command, for none will dare to disobey. 

Ken. Silly girl ! 

Cat«. Oh, D.ime, were I told that I should always continue thus — in 
this lone an 1 paltry cottage — within these stifling walls — in rooms so 
poorly fuiiiished — I would, believe me, rather lie within a coffin, pro- 
vided it were covered by a noble tomb of marble. 

Ken. There are days, my child, when the dreams of j'our imagination 
terrify me. Trust me, 'twere best you should abandon all such thoughts, 

Cath. Oh, no, th'»y are my only wealth — my dreams, my only happi- 
ness, you must not take fronj me When alone, I hear strange voices 
mu.'niur in my ear— see sti'ange visions float before my eyes — in the fire 
are salamanders that in titeir sport do raise a thousand sparkles — in the 
water which flows lun^ath our wind<)ws there bathes a Naiad who, each 
time that I bend to her, salutes me as a sister. The perfumed breeze 
which eveniu'T brings us passes laden with fivlphs, who slay and nestle 
'midst ray tresses ; aid fairie-i, naiads, sylphs, all — all whisper words in 
t«v ears; — Oh, worvls that almost drive me mad. 

Kk.y. What an age of hippiness when on* has but to close the eyes to 
b'hold such wonders, and when dreams are a consolation for the realit}' ; 
but, beware, my child, of all the demons thiit, in their waking, or 
their sleeping hours, do hover around young girls ! the most dangerous, 
and the most difficult to be banished is the demon of ambition. 

[Exit, R. 

Cath. Nay, good luirse— he is not a demon — but an angel, and the 
most attractive — the most splendid is the king of the hosts, for he has 
golden wings, and his h i:id is surmounted by a crown. So, good nurse, 
go, and let me open the door bv whicli all my dream-i do enter and de- 
part. (Gatuerinr f/os.'s ^oor <-'/^(?r Kenijedy, then goes to and opens door 
in flit, R. c.) Will AihelwDld come this evening 1 This morning he .said 
" perha|)s" — perhaps is always yes. How much he loves me — and yet 
he cannot, or wherefore conceal from rue Irs name and rank ■? Each 
nio:-ning do I hope that during the day I shall know the whole —evening 
arrives, and I have learned nothing. He is " very happy when he cm 
steal a few hours." From whoml I do not know — from another, psr- 
hap-i, that he may give them to me— to me, buried here, far from the 
world, a prisoner, a slave, {uts, l.) The evening hours are laden with 
j)leasnres to dwellers in cities, but I sit here alone and sad, awaiting my 
husband, who perchance will not conra — my husband who has title and 
rank — of that I'm certain — and who gives me neither rank nor title. 
{jriscs) If, however, I were with him now, in London— instead of doffing 
this simple robe — whose plainness humbles me — to seek befoie the hour 
a sleep that will not come, I should be seated at my toilet, {sits before 
glass at table, R ) I should choose from the caskets that he has given me, 
so useless to me here, the ricliest of my jewels, {opening caskets and deck- 
ing herself ivith jeivels) I would put this necklace of pearls around my 



12 CATUKIUNE nOWAKB. 

neck — these diamonds in my ears — tliese bracelets on my arms. Amid 
the simple flowers in my liair these tiny diamond stars — tiiis girdle of 
precious stones should encircle my waist — a i)age should precede us — 
halls resplendant with light would be operjed to us, and when I appeared 
— oh, if my mirror deceive me not, no voice around but would exclaim, 
never was queen more brilliantly attired — never was queen more beau- 
tiful. 

Athelwold has entered, r. c, and has heard the last tivo or three lines of 
the f.pccch — he advances to the back of her cJiatr — she sees his shadow tit 
the glass, and starts up. 

Ah ! oh, Athelwold, I did not see you. 

Athel. I know it! you were by far too interestingly occupied to ob- 
serve my arrival. 

Catii. Am 1 pretty thus ? 

Athel. But too beautiful, lady ! {aside) for my happiness. 

Cath. Then, thank Heaven that hath made me so for you. Now corns 
to me, and embrace me, my loid. {he receives her in his arms, but docs not 
embrace her) Besides, it, was insiinct whi-c!i caused me thus to deck my 
figure — 1 have made myself beautiful Irom a presentiment ; my heart 
told me that you would come to ine — so, smooth that ihoughlful brow ; 
sit, and I will place myself at your feet, mj gentle chevalier — uiy gal- 
lant baron — my noble earl, {scatitig herself at his feel) By which of these 
titles must I call you ? 

Atiiel. By none of them — for noiie can I claim ! 

Catii. But how did you cornel for I did not hear the gallop of your 
steed. 

Athel. I came by the Thames, in a fisherman's boat, for to-day, moro 
llian ever, did I diead being recognized. 

Cath. Ever mysterious! you therefore have very powerful motives? 

Athel. Judge of their import, my love, since I conceal them from 
you, who aie my life 

Cath. Oh, if you love me 

Athel. Never before was woman loved by man as I love thee, my 
Catherine. 

Cath. Forgive me! 

Athel. {taking her head heltveen his hands). Look on me, dearest — my 
heart till its last throb, my life till its latest breath, my blood to the last 
drop, are thine, all thine, and thine alone. Kale; and should I lose thee, 
should another — rh, heaven ! 

Cath. You suffer ! 

Athel. Yes, I am fatigued, my forehead burns — give me drink — drink ! 

Cath. {rising). Oh, yes, yes, my lord, {tahde she goes to and opens n 
cabniet, r. , he draws a vial from his vat, and pours a portion of its eonteuls 
into a goblet ivliich is on l. tab'.e.) 

Athel. [aside). Heaven pardon me, that thus I tempt thy power! 

Cath. In default of page, will you suffer me to be voiir cupbearer ? {hs 
holds the cup, she pours.) 

Athel. Thanks ! 

Cath. Your hand trembles! 

Athel. {still seated, and taking her in his arms). Kate, Kate ! oh, never 
— never ! 

Cath. You aie very sad to-night. How shall I cheer your drooping 
spirits 1 shall I say to you the ballad made of that ancient King of En- 
gland, Edgar, who married with a vassal, the beautiful Elfrida. 

Athel. {aside). Oh, her every word is fresh torture to my heart. 



ACT I. 13 

Cath. Wilt listen 1 

Athel. No; 1 know tlie story — she was betrotlied to one Richard, of 
humble birth, when King Edgar saw and loved her, and 

Cath. Yes ; and as knight, and baron, even as earl, did she reject 
him; but when he told her that he was king, and said tliat she should 
share his throne — ah, then was the serf dazzled, and she became liis 
queen. 

Athel. And is it thus that ends the tale of Elfrida the Beautifull 

Cath. Is it not complete ? she becomes queen, 1 said. 

Athel. But what of Richard 1 

Cath. Richard 1 

Athel. Her lover ! 

Cath. The ballad makes no further mention of him. 

Athel. So, neither in the verses of the troubadour, nor in the soul of 
his mistress— a thought of him so shamefully cast off. I shall be less un- 
grateful than were they, for I will drink to his memory. {Jtc holds the 
goblet iviiJioHl carryinrj it to Ids lips.') 

Cath. {looking at him). Well ! 

Athel. Do you forget? have I ever yet drank from a cup that your 
lips have not previously kissed — that 1 might taste upon its edge" the 
j)lace which they had pres.sed. Come, my fair Elfrida — no, pardxin me, 
1 mean, my Catherine— to the memory of Richard. (Catherine drinlcs — 
hi' looks on her greatly egitatcd. then .'■luitrhrs the gollet from her lips and casts 
it at his feet, exclaiming) Oh Kate ! Kale ! forgive— oh, forgive me. 

Cat!1. {surprised). Foigive you 1 

Athel. There was no oiher way -it was, alas, the only means. 

Cath. What mean you ? 

Athel. Without it, we had been lost — for ever separated. You are 
l)ale, Catherine. 

Cath. Yes, yes ! what can this mean ? I am faint — the room swim.s 
around me — ah! I am tuiuiiig blind! 

Athel. Oh, Heaven ! 

Cath. My breast is all on fire— my forehead burns! oh, surely this is 
death I 

Athel. Oh, misery, misery ! to see her sufifer thus. Oh, better that I 
liad 

Cath. Leave me— leave me ! water^water — I choke ! mercy ! pity me, 
Athel- Oh, I feel that I am dying. Is there no aid 1 Ho ! without ! help 
there — help ! 

Athel. {taking her in his arms). No, no ! not a cry — not a sound 

Cath. {patting her hands to Iter head). What are these ? flowers ! jewels ! 
{snatching them axoay) Despair! oh, life. Heaven — life! 

Athel. You will not die ! 

Cath. So young, .so young, to perish ! oh. Heaven, have pity on me. 
Kennedy, Kennedy! I can see nothing ! 1 am dying, {she st'ivggles m 
Athrlwold's anus, repulses him, andftdls.) 

Athel {kceluig besides her and raising her in his arms). Oh, Kate, 
Kate ! now, I am suie that we shall live or die together. 

Embraces her, rises, opens r. d., ri9?gs bell violently, returns to Catherine, 
embraces her, and i-ushe.i off, r. c, as Dame Kennedy enters r. p. — 
she hurries and kneels beside Catherine — places one hand on Cathe- 
rine's hearty and, weeping, hides her face in the other. Music. 

SLOW curtain. 



14 CATUKlilNK UOW.VUD. 



ACT II. 



SCENE I. — Vault of Sepulture in Uh grooves. — Steps at hack up to door, 
R. c, of p. Several tombs with statues lying on them — L., well forward, 
an open tomb, raised, with steps, on which Catherine Howard is lying. 
Lamp on a tomb, 

Athelwold discovered standing besides Catherine. 

Athel. Aye, Fleming, thou liasl, indeed, kept faiih witli me. Her 
sleep is twin-sislei- to death itself, and, but that it is my own work, I 
must, myself have been deceived by the resemblance. Oh, I can under- 
stand how an assassin may not feel remorse when gazing on his victim; 
for if this inanimate body be not happy, at least 'tis very tranquil. Oli, 
Catlierine, Catherine! would it nol be better that I should cast myself 
beside thee in this tomb and suffer them firmly to enclose us ? liiat 
l()(>.ked together in eacii other's arms we migiit sbep calmly on until 
Ihe day of everylasung re-awakeniiig ] Fur who but Heaven cm say, 
whether in this world joy or calamity is in store for us? Who bat 
Heaven knows whether hereafter, thou wilt bfess or curse me for 
sulFering thee again to live; for Lheie is nothing certain in ihe future, 
save ihtT grave ; and wher^^-fore sh )iild we wait death's slo.v appi-oach, 
since so easily we can reach it. Oh, Kate i {beitd^ over her mil kmsss her 
on the forehead) Heavens ! surely her frame did quiver then ! My voico 
even through this lethargy has penetrated to her soul. Oh! Catlierine, 
Catherine, "revive, revive 1 Hence all thought of deatli— live, live! 
With thee happiness or wo?— joy or despair ! Oli, Heaven ! yes, live, 
Kate, darling, live ! {turning tow trds door at back, vs.. c, ivhich at this mo- 
mo/t' opens) "Ha! who cone^ here ? Oh, imprudence ! Why did I not 
secure that door ! {ndu mces towards it, then retreats terrified) The King — 
tJie King here! (retaruf to tomb and bends over Catherine) Powers of 
dai kness, weigh her eyelids down with a leadaii slumber; rather let her 
never awaken than awaken now. 

Enter Henrt, door at back, r. c. 

Henry (dosing door, perplexed by the darkness). Athelwold, where art 
thou 1 

Athel. {going towm-ds hiin). Here, sire, here. 

Hen. {descending steps, ani lnytncf his hand, on Athelwold's ami). You 
a e. indeed, a faithful friend. Wliere is she ? 

Athel. {pointing to tmnb). There. 

Hen. Thanks, your grace, for having placed her in your family vaul ; 
a week later and she should have slept in ours of Westminster. 

Athel. Sire, the woman on whom, during her life, your majesty had 
desiiTtied to cast your eyes, could no", hnt be for me, even after her death, 
an object of respect and venerntion. But, how comes it tiiat your ma- 
jesty has descended here alone ! 

Hen. 1 desired once more to behold her ere the tomb was for ever 
closeil upon her. When those of my palace who yesterday accompaiied 
you returned, and told me that you had found her dead, and that you 
had remained to render her the last rites— oh, scarcely could I credit the 
afflicting tidings ; my eyes filled with tears — my heart did scarcely 
tlii()b. Oh, I loved her, 1 loved her, and must behold her once again. 



Acr II. 15 

Athelworlu diaws his dagger, and with the other hand raises the veil which 
covers Cathekine, and taking the lamp, approaches and holds it over 
her. on her h. 

Athel. Then, look upon her, sire ! 

Hen. {regarding her fixfdli/,^,, c). Dead ! dead ! dead! {raising his eyes 
to heaveii) Have i offended heaven 1 a star was about to shed its iustie 
o'er England, and o'er England's king ; a breeze passes, laden with 
death, and it is extinguislied. Oil, paltry human authority, so niigiity 
to destroy life — so utterly powerless to restore it. {taking her r. hand) Oh, 
that I could but give warm 111 to this hand which 1 now press within mine 
own. 

Athel. (aside, touching her l. hand). I permit you, king, to Hold that 
hand, for it is still cold. 

Hen. Catherine, my beautiful — my affianced ! {placing ring on her fin- 
ger) Carry with thee in to the grave, this ring, vvliich thou sliouldst liave 
worn, upon the throne. Oh, how royal should be the ransom I would 
pay, could I restore thee again to life, my Catherine. 

Athel. (aside). Malediction ! her heart renews its throbbings ! 

Hen. Oh, Heaven ! it is then true that sovereign and subject alike are 
equal to liiee — and that a king within iiis palace is no more prized by 
thee than a poor clown uiihin his sorry hut. Catherine, Catherine ! 

Athel. {aside, lisienu/g). She brenthes ! Sire, you must no longer 
remain ; such unholy exclamations are a profanation. Come, sire — 
come I 

Hen. No, no — I cannot — cannot yet quit her tomb. 

Athel. (asi'/e\. Danmaiion ! she awakes! (aloud) Sire — sire! sutler 
the dead quietly to sleep on -or Ireuible, lest tliey rise and curse you 
for h.iviiig dared to trouble their last rest ! {^dragging him away) Come 
—come ! 

He drags HenrY off, who exclaims, as he leaves the vault — " Catherine, oh, 
Catherine, thou biide of deaih ! farewell — farewell for ever!'' — 
closing door, r. c. , nfler hi/)> — a short pause. 31usio. 

Cath. (raising ho- arm, it falls again to her side). Oh, Heaven ! how 
profound is my sleep ! Meseems that I am fastened to this bed — I have 
no power to raise myself (rises on her hands) My eyes will not unclos>j ! 
(pressing her hand over her forehead) There is a weight upon my brow. 
(touching her white crown) Ah. I have sli^pl with my crown on. Dame ! 
Dame Kennedy ! Siill niuht? I thonsht it had been daylight. I am 
very cold — and frightened loo! {descends from the tomb, and almost falls 
ttpon the step!~) Oh, how my limbs aclie ! steps ! a lamp ! (toxches monu- 
ment) Maible ! (rising terrified) A tomb ! (walking, and dragging wrap- 
pings with her) A sliroud ! Oh, great Heaven! where am l1 In a 
funeral vault, sun ounded by the dead, (shuddering) Horror— horror ! 
What has hapi)en8d to me ? Let me reflect;— ail is calm— all traiKjuil 
here— why then should I fear ? L"t me think— let me think! Athel- 
v>'oid, as usual, came yesterday— or the day before — for I no longer 
know the days ; —then I experienced frishtful torture— believed that I 
should die~tlien my senses left me — and— then — 'hen -ah! {suddenly 
ond despariiigbj) I have been thought dead— and was entombed here — 
livinjT — living — and no escai)e ! This door ! (goes to door, r. c , t<p the 
s'ep.^, puts her hand upon the lock — the keg is not there — she tries door) Fast 
• — merciful powers ! {rapulig descends steps, and coming hastily forward, 
falls on her kn'cs, c.) Mercy, HeaVeu, mercy ! (her figure droops, and she 
is nearly fauitin<j. ) 



\Q CATHKIUNE UOWAKU. 



Athelwold apprars at uoor, R. c, closes it, and coming forward, proceeds 
direct to the tomb — seeing it empty, he calls. 

Atuel. Kale ! 

Cath. {rising on one arm). Did I not hear ray name ? 

Athel. Callieiine ! 

Cath. (rising at a bound). Here — here ! 

Atuel. Ah ! {darling towards her.) 

Cath. Allielwold ! 1 am saved ! Athelwold, can we not leave this 
place ] 

Athel. Yes, j-es— but not till 1 have held you to my heart, that I 
may feel assured you live — and live for rae alone. 

Cath. Yes, yes — for you alone ! but let us go — let us go ; I need air ! 
— air ! 

Athel. Yet a moment — I implore you, Catherine; in the name of 
our love — which, but now and narrowly, lias escaped a terrible danger. 

Cath. {clinging closer to him) Ves, yes, 'tis well, but tell me— do not 
quit me — how comes it thai 1 was here amidst tbe.'ie lombs, alone, shut 
in — and one of them my bed .'' How is it that I behold you?— that like 
my nuaidian angel you have l.astened to restore me to life, and to the 
light of day 1 Speak — tell me, 1 entreat you! 

Athel. Ye."- — for the moment has arrived that you may know iho 
secret which has so peiplexed you. 

Cath. What, shall I know who thou really art 

Athel. Yes, I am Athelwold, Duke of Northumberland. The king 
alone claims rank above the peers of luighuid. 

Cath. Ah ! rnd I — shall share honors, fortune, position, with you ? 

Athel. In giving you my heart, did 1 not bestow all these upon you 
— am I not ready now to yield to you my life ? 

Cath. Then you will conduct me to the court f 

Athel. One word. 

Cath. Yes— say on. 

Athel. You have heard of King Henry's amours, always dissolute — 
sometimes fatal 1 

Cath. Yes. 

Athel. Well, 1 thnughl of Mm. .nnd dared rot introduce you at his 
court — for royalty has luii to biealhe iqion the honor of a woman, and 
it is tainished. Hence, I concealed my rank fiom you, for I trembled 
lest some indiscretion on your part should destroy the liappine.-s that, 
depended so entirely on my Catherine. A year flew thus — twelve 
months of felicity, during which I every evening came to you, whilst 
every day 1 was compelled by my ] position to be neai tlie king ; and the 
better to hide my secret, there I feigned that my ambitious desires were 
for the Princess Margaret. 

Cath. The king's sister ? 

Athel. Yes ; but it was you who held my heart— who inspired my 
every thought 

Cath. Yes, yes — 1 know all that ; but — but you have not yet told rac. 
why 

Athel. Well, all that I feared has come to pass. Four days ago, ths 
king beheld you 

Cath. The king has seen me — seen me ? 

Athel. Yes. 

Cath. And — — 

Athel. And he loves you. 

Cath. Loves me ] - ■" 



ACT II. 17 

Athel. Of thinks he loves —iie desires j'ou. Now j'ou understand, 
from that moment, unless some preventive were found, we both were 
lost. A skillful alchemist furnislied me, for gold, with a narcotic liquid, 
whose effect is rapid and i)rofoand — you drank, and when the messen- 
gers of the king came to conduct, you to court, they found your nurse 
weeping over my beautiful Catherine, who was but sleeping — while all 
believed that she was dead. 

Cath. All ! — the king also 1 • 

Athel. Oh, it was most essential that he, above all, should so believe. 

Cath. And even now, he does not doubt .'' 

Athel. No — for that which might have destroyed, has saved us. 

Cath. What mean you 1 

Athel. While f stood here, beside your tomb, awaiting your first 
breath, — your first sigh, — your first look — the king, suspicious, no doubt 
— appeared at yonder door. 

Cath. The king ! 

Athel. Descended those stei)s, and approaclied this tomb where I, 
steel in hand, awaited him — for, by the rood, had he shown suspicion, I 
would have slain him. 

Cath. My lord — you would have killed your king 1 

Athel. Rather than have lost you, by Heaven — yes! But every- 
thing aided us^vainly did he place that i-ing upon your finger 

Cath. (aside, looking at it). A ring of betrothal ! 

Athel. Your haul remained frozen within his own. Vainly did he 
call upon your name, you waked not— you did not answer the fatal ap- 
peal — his adul ero.is lips were vainly pressed upon your brow, for that 
b'ow continued pale, and still is pure — so that now he cannot doubt — can 
ne'er suspect, lliat you are still the prey of deatii, and of the tomb. 

Cath. Oli, luit think— had that beverage proved mortal — if instead of 
a mere narcoiic. that man had given ihee a poison 1 

Athkl. I had f ne^eea all that 

Cath. And 

Athel. And gave thee but lialf the viol's contents. 

Cath. Natheless, 'tis most frightful. Living — living! and yet thought 
d?ad by all the world. 

Athel. Ah, dear Kate, forget (he world that you have quitted, as 
already it halh forgotten thee. At the earliest possible moment I will 
quit England— conduct thee to France — there we shall find a court 
far m )re m;ignific.eut — more mirthful than Henry's. My fortune, too, 
and my title will be thine — homage and pleasure will surround thee; 
ami then thou wilt confess that I have acted well — that thou art happy, 
haiipy, hajipy ! 

Catu. Yes — but until then we shall dwell far from London ? 

Athkl. i, no — close by. 

Cath. And should I be seen 

At A EL Oil, you will conceal yoursi^lf from every eve. 

Cath. {asidr). And so have but exchanged my tomb. 

Athel. Catherine, now that you know all— and the king and his train 
liave departed, let us quit this vault, 

Cath. Already ! 

Athel Come. 

Cath. First, bo sure that no one will perceive us — that all is quiet — 
and tlie night fallen dark. 

Athel. But you 

Cath, Will remain an instant here— I am frightened now. 

Athel. 'Tis well. I go. ' [Exit, at door, r. c. 

Cath. 'Tis very strange ! but all seems changed to me since Athel- 



18 CATUKKIXK HOWARD. 

wald'a revelation. Henry llie Eiiilitli loves me! Tiie Tudor lias de^ 
scended into this vault once more to behold Ihe humble Howard. 
How was't I did not suddenly awaken at the echo of his steps — tiie 
s mnd of iiis voice! His feet were, may be, placed upon this spot where 
now 1 stand — here towards me he lias bowed tlie iuad that bears a 
crown — here he lias placed his royal hands; here is the r'lwj, — tlie be- 
trothal ring which he has slipped upon my finger ! Oh, there cannot be 
a doubt he loves me truly, ardently — and does he believe me dead ? 
(Jeans Iter head against the lomb.') 

Enter Athelwold, door, b. c. 

Atuel. {at door). Kate ! 

Cath. {rising). Ah ! 

Athel. Come, Kate ! all is quiet — >let us leave this funeral vault. 

Oath, {going to him, aside). 1 fear, Athelwold, thy most sumptuous 
mansion will never so greatly ciiarm me as this gloomy vault, bright- 
ened by the presence of the king, {with her foot on the bottom step, she 
turns and looks toivards tomb — Athelwold at door.) 

Scene closes in. 

SCENE 11.—^ Street. 

Enter Martin Krinkly and Simon Kreetnob, h, 

Krink. I consider myself a man ; ay, and by the king's beard, a8 
good a man as he. 

Simon. Don't talk treason, Martin. 

Krink. What I is it treason to be a man 1 then have our liberties 
come to a pretty pass. As well say 'tis treason to be married. 

Simon. No, certainly, that is not, treason, yet 'tis not reason ! 

Krink. You are right — there is no reason in it, 'tis very stupid, Simon. 
If to be man — a superior specimen of human nature, a householder to 
])ay taxes — if all this be treason, then denounce me to Royal Harry, for 
1 am a traitor. 

Simon. Well, no, but you talk 

Krink. Of course I do, for I have the organ of speech— a mouth 
oi'san— do you mark me 1 

Simon. But you talk in a wa)^ 

Krink. Well, it's my way ; and I say here, before everybody—— 

Simon. There is nobody but me. 

Krink. And you are nobody, so I shall postpone my burst of elo- 
quence till I get a betler audience. 

Simon. You causf a riot in every tavern that we enter. 

Krink. Tlien you should not lead me into such dens of Iniquity. 

Simon. II 

Krink. Certaiily ! the jingle of coin Is never heard in my pouch, and 
if you were not so infamous as to pay for the spiced sack that I imbibe, 
I should be too virtuous ever to enter a tavern. 

Simon. There's gratitude ! 'tis I that would avoid every hostelry, but 
you force every stiver from my pocket. 

Krink. And is it not a horrible country, Simon, where a man has to 
pav for another's luxuries, whether he likes it or not ? 

Simon. You should have a private purse, Martin. 

Krink. Impossible! 

Simon. Why so ? 



ACT II. 19 

KniNK. Because I am nianied, Simon ; and there is another instanco 
of fiiglilfiil trj-anny. I am nes'er allowed a coin. Is it not atrocious 
Ihat a man — I may, without vanity, say a fine man— should be the slave 
of a woman, and that woman, loo, his »vife 1 

Simon. 1 know she governs you. 

Krink. She does ; and never blushes at her abominable delinquency. 
Talk of liberty ! where, in England, is one to look for the commodity, 
when even one's wife is allowed to gallop rough-shod over her husband's 
rights. Harry the Eighth's government is hoirible to endure — but petti- 
coat government — oh, that is someilxng awful. 

Simon. What nonsense you do talk. 

Krink. Nonsense! depend upon it, Simon, lliere will be no liberty in 
this country till every woman is made a prisoner for life. Where is our 
freedom — whe the liberty of the subjeci 1 when, at this very moment, I, 
with the courage of a lion, am trembling lest my spouse, Wiuifred 
Krinkly, should suddenly pounce upon me. 

WisiPKED ctiten, L. — Krinkly goes over to b. 

WiNip. And no wonder, lazy ale-bibber that thou art. Thy business 
is going to rack and ruin. 

Krisk. I bave no time to attend to business — I am engaged in the 
pursuit of libeity. 

WiNiF. (crossiiiff c). Yes, liberty to lounge about the streets talking 
rubbish, and haunt taverns, {celvaiiemg) Listen to me, Wasier Martin, 
or 

Krixk. {retreat big^. Beware what, you do — I am a man — I pay taxes. 

WiNiF Dost thou ? not lately then, for the collector has just called 
for the arrears, and was about to take jJO.SNessioii of our chattels. 

Kkink. Simon, you hear that — more tryanny. 

WiNip. And the vintner who was besoliett enough to give thee credit, 
has threatened law. 

Krink. He has? bloated tyrant! take my word for it, Simon, there 
can be no hope of liberty in this country so long as a man is compelled 
10 pay his debts. 

WiNiF. And thou, Master Kreelnur, why dost thou entice my husband 
from his dwelling, and trot at his heels like a spaniel dog ? 

Krink. (r.). Simon, remember you aie a man. 

WixiF, Silence ! 

KuiNK. (aside). Disgusting tyi-anny ! 

Simon, (l.) He seeks me out, Mistress Winified — he clings to me. 

WiNiF. I shall, in future, endeavor to keep him from thee. 

Krink. And this is the land of liberty, where you may not have a 
friend — must basely desert the man who has money to discbarge on ale- 
house reckoning. 

Simon. He talks treasons, and brings me into danger, for when people 
tlireaten lo call the guard, he nlways sweais 'twas 1 who f-poke. 

WiNiF. Shameful, Martin, slinmefiil 

Krink. lean no longer doubt ii—libf>rtr is extinct — for cow a man 
is not allowed to sacrifice his fiie .d to save In'tnself. 

WiNiF. Get to thy home, Simon Kreelnur. 

Simon. Gladly, {crossing, h ). For my loom is idle, and my pockets 
empty. 

Krink. (c , nside). And I shall need more spiced ale, 

WiNiF. (l.). And thou, Martin, come with me. 

Krink. Winifred Krinkly, I am a man— I pay taxes. Simon Kreetnnr, 



20 CATHEUINE HoWAKD. 

liberty is a precious prerogative — therefoie resolve, as I do, to maintain 
your rights, and never to yield to any tyrant breatliing. 

WiNiF. {with authority). Are you coming, Martini 

Krink. {humbly). Certainly, luy love. 

[Martin /(?^('ow« Winifred off, l. — Exit Simon, r. 

Scene changes to 

SCENE III. — Chamber in 3rd grooves, handsomely furnished— door covered 
with tapesty, k. — window c — door, L, of flat. 

Catherine enters, E. D , goes to Athelwold, discovered seated on a sofa, 
c, and gives him her hand. 

Cath. My lord ! 

Athel. Ah, 'tis you! my heart \celcomes you I And how did you 
sleep last night in your new dwelling ? 

Cath. I did not sleep an instant. 

Athel. And yet your eyes are brilliant — your complexion rose-like, 
as if sleep bad shaken over you all her nightly flowers. 

Cath. Waking hours iiave, sometimes, dreams as sweet as those 
which I'allow us to our si >ep. Happiness and Hope can also freshen the 
complexion, and nnike the eye sparkle. 

Athel. So. you're happy ? 

Cath. Surely, since you have promised me that we shall not leave 
England, {sirs hy his L. side.) 

Athel. Bat if we (juit not England, my beautiful duche.ss, you will 
be compelled to renounce that title — to forego the plea.sures of the 
Court of France — the joy of hearing tweutj' times a day that your are 
fair. 

Cath. You will tell me so — will you not ? 

Atuhl. -My darling Kate! 

Cath. Bui prithee, why have you lodged me in the most remote cham- 
bei-s of this mansion 1 the view, metliinks, from this apartment is far 
more beautiful, and during you.r absence — lor you have said that occa- 
sionally you must leave, to attend the court — 1 should find pleasure in 
gazing from this window. 

Athel. Catherine, this chamber lias always been mine ov.'n — to change 
would be to arouse suspicion. All who seek me come to this apartment. 
You see, hence, that I have foi-e.seen everything, and how im[)osKib!e it 
is that I should grant what now you ask. 

Cath. But I may somelinu^s approach this window to watch for your re- 
tuin— to wave my handkercliief, and say by signs, that which you would 
not iiave uttered from my lijjs, " Come quickly, for 1 love thee — 1 tliiuk 
of, and expect thee 1 '" 

Athel. Is not the entire mansion thine own, love ? Yes ! come hither 
— but never without the greate.sl caution, never without closing, as I do 
now, this door, {secures d. l. c.) 

Cath. Tell me — is it London that we behold from this casement 1 

Athel. Yes. 

Cath. And the palace of Whitehall! cannot that be distinguished? 

Athel. Aye, {pointing, r.) 'tis there. 

Cath. It was to that palace, that, when raised to the throne, Anne 
Boleyii was conducted 1 

Athel. Yes ! 

C.\Tii. Tell me, is it true that when she left her splendid barge upon 
ti'.r Th.THic.'^; and placed her foot on shore, the queenly robe was thrown 



ACT ir. 21 

across her shoulders — that the while salin litter hi which she was borne, 
and on all sides open, tiial the [Mople initiht gaze on her who was to reign 
over Lhein. It was Nurse Kennedy who relaied this to rue. 

Oath. She told you truly. 

Cath. Ambassadors and nohlein^ii, wiiiia hundred gentleman mounted 
on splendid steeds, acC')in[)aini'd lier. {observing Atiielwold's fixed 
looked of astonishment). Is it not true tiiat, tiuis splendidly attired, and 
with tiiat brilliant train, Anne Boleyn arrived at Whitehall, to join tlia 
monarch who there most eagerly awaited her 1 

Athel. And three years after, slie left Whitehall, clothed in black, 
and, accompanied but by a single priest, repaired to the Towei', where 
the headsman awaited her. 

Cath. iihe merited her fate, for she deceived the king. 

Athel. You are admirably informed in all these *niatters, my sweet 
historian— it is a new accomplishment, for which I have never given you 
credit, [raises Iter hand to kiss it — his lips touch the ring that the Kisa hen 
put upon her Jingcr — lie starts.) 

Catu. Why do you start "? 

Athel. 'Tis nothing. 

Cath. But tell me. 

Athel. I dare not. 

Cath. Ob, yes. 

Athel. Wbat if it is a sacrifice that I would ask of youl 

Cath. Speak, nevertheless ; and we will see if we love you sufficienU 
ly to make that sacrifice. 

Athel. That ring ! 

Cath. Weil 

Athel. My lips encountered it but now, on kissing your hand, and 
it was given yen not by me, but by another. Are you an.Kious to ivuia 
that ringl 

Catu. [holding it icp). Do yon not think that it becouies my haiid — 
tiiat it is a foil to its whiteness ? 

Athel- But, dear love, thy hand is sufficiently white — sulficlenLly 
beautiful without it — so let roe have it? 

Cath. A ling given by a king is rare and curious, and surely worth 
preserving. 

Athel. Yes, but when that king has given it as a token of love 

Catu. Art jealous 1 

Athel. Yes, Kale, I confe.ss I am jealous. I should be jealous even 
of him whom thy robe ha'l touched in passing. Oh, Catherine, Catha- 
rine, [throwing h mself at her feet) pity me, for I am mad with love for 
lliee. Thou wilt have mercy on me, and wilt not, by retaining tiiat ring, 
crush my heart ! 

Cath. Qnsing, and looking from window). Athelwold, look; do you not 
behold a troop of horse approaching yonder, on the London Road % Lo ! 
ihey wind their way towards tliis mansion, [pointing off, hut not leaving 
the sofa.) 

Athel. [bending out of the windoiv). Yes — who are these men — and 
what their errand 1 

Cath. [aside). He will forget the ripg ! 

Athel. Heavens ! I cannot be mistaken! — 'tis, he — what would he 
now I 

Cath. He 1 whom ? 

Athel. Harry of England ? 

Cath. [advancing hintili/ low inls winJou-). The King ! 

Athel. [restraining her) Ves. yes, tii-^ King! [drawing her back) Fly 
tlii'- iiijtan'., Catherine— leiuiM lo your own aparUiienU*, I implore you ; 



/r 



22 CATniCUINE nOWAKD. 

and ill the name of Heaven — in tlio namo of our love— of my life- Oil, 
conceal my li-eiisnre fioin every eye. {.s/u/dciili/ atuppiiig, as a truinpet 
sounds wiOioitL) Do you not liear his tiiniii)el ? he is liiere — even now at 
yonder door- away, away ! (hicrrics her off, R. D. — draws the tapestry over 
the door by which she goes.) 

Athel. Wliy comes he here? lias he learned that I have deceived 
bim 1 {goes to and opens d. l. c.) Yet, no, uo, for, then 

Enter Page, l. c. 

Page {announcing). His Majesty the King I [Exit, L. c. 

» Enter Henry, d. l. c. 

Athel. (.bowing). Sire 

Hen. Good-morning, your grace. 

Athel. Tiii;) honor, sire 

Hen. 1 must e'en seek you, Athelwold, in your own mansion, since 
you will not visit mo in my palace I 

Athel. Your majesty liad but to express'the wish, and 

Hen. Yes, yes, 1 know — but 1 had need to converse with you, and in- 
stantly, of important matters, and the walls of my palace have ears; 
so 1 preferred to come heie and speak, surrounded but by this old tapes- 
try. (Catherine ts seen to raise the tapestry of her eloor, r., and listen for 
a short time.) 

AifiEL. Thanks! {H eh ry sits on the sofa — Athelwold remains siatid- 
iiig, R ) And now, Athelwold, hearken to me. For the last year you 
have 1 know, been dreaming of an honor you thought unattainable. 

Athel I, sire ! 

Hkn. Your lips, 'tis true, have not given utterance to a word that 
con'i<l betray your secret, but your eyes have revealed it to all who 
would give themselves the trouble to observe. My lord, brief, you love 
luy .'-■ister. 

Atuel. Sire! 

}]en. Yesterday T quesioned the Princess Margaret, and learned her 
sentiments iespfccit,g you. 

Athel. And she doi s iiot love rne ! 

Hen. yhe does love 301.. 

.''1.TGEL. Heaven'-. ! 

iIen. 'liiis time, for onco, my lioart and my politics can agree, (ex- 
tciding his hi.ndtf AthelwoliO. You will be happy, Athelwold, and yout 
happine^is will ensure ray tranqi'.illity, for when I de[);irt to Scotland I 
sluili i*"ave for regent of my kingdom more than a friend; — a brother ! — • 
1 siiaU go without fear, since, should misfortune happen to me, tlie law 
— in coi:se(}nenco of the illegitimate birth of Mary and Elizabeth, and 
the poor health of Piince Edward— has emjxnvered me to name a suc- 
cession to rny throne, (rising) therefore, brother, I shall leave with thee 
a testament, of which my kecper-of-the-seals will hold a dui>licate, ap- 
pointing you Regent in my absence ; King, on my death. 

Atuel. Sire I 

Hen. Well! 

Atuel. Oh, I am unworthy of such favor. 
Hen WhereTore ? 

Athel. I can accept nothing of all that your majesty has offered. 
Hkn. All ! what means your grace ! methinUs that you are distraught! 
Atuel. Sire ! 1 can umlerstand why you should deem me so — or most 
ungi-auMiil ; but, si.e, I cannot accept 



ACT 11. 



20 



Hen. {threat ingly). My lord, you will. 

Athel. (>aisiii(/ his head) I ii.ive retiecLed, sire. 

Hen. You refuse llie re<jeiicy ] 

Athel. I am grateful for liie honor, sire, but 

HiiN Ton decliue the liaud of Llie Princess Margaret 1 

Atuei, i kuovv how liule 1 liave expected the offer of such an alli- 
ance, therefore I but render justice to myself in confessing that I am 
unworthy of it. 

Hex. bo you forget that under the friend is the king — that entreaty 
may be followed by coinuiauil. 

Athel. Sire — in the name of all you hold most dear— have grace ! — 
save me from my threatened destiny. Your entreaty has made of me 
an ingrate —your command would make of me a rebel* 

Hen. I am curious to see such boldness ! {smiles.) 

Athel. {adcanemg, to take his hand) Oil, I implore your majesty. 

Hen. {repulsing him). Back my, lord — back 1 

Athel, {placing his hand o)i his stoord). Sire ! 

Hen. Beware, my lord— beware ! you have laid your hand upon your 
sword in presence of your king— that is high treason, my lord. 

Athel. Oh, Heaven, teach me how to act. 

Hen. Fortunes more brilliant than your grace's have shone around 
our throne — but on one breath of ours they have died extinct. 

Athel. I know it. 

Hen. You now are ricli and powerful, but 1 could snatcli from yon, 
shred by shred, your titles and your fortune, and cast you forth to storm 
and tempest more poor and naked than the meanest mendicant who 
crawls before my i>alaci' gates. 

Athel. You co\ild. 

Hen. I could drag you before the peers and charge you with high 
treason for the crime which you have just committed. 

Athel. I should not deny it. 

Hen. I could drag you to the scaffold. 

Atukl. I should not fear to climb its steps ! 

Hen. This is too much, my lord ; and we shall see who first will yield. 
{goinry — Athelwold is following) Remain ! 

Athel Sire, you are now within my mmsion— I am, till declared 
otherwise by my peers, still a loyal subject it is my duty, therefore, to 
attend your majesty to the entrance gale :;i.d bencl my knee, that you 
may mount your steed 

Hen. Come then, my lord ; but, by our royal word, it is the last time 
such honor shall be accorded to you. [E.rcunt, d. l. c. 

Cath. {comes forward slowlg). He is very liandsome. So that's the 
king, who descended to my to.nb to place this ring u])on my finger, and 
would have placed a crown upon my head. How great and powerful 
he appears amidst the courtiers who surround him —{at ivindow) Behold 
them bare-headed and l)owing lowly where he alone is covered and bearr^ 
head erect — what is't I see.' Athelwold leading to him the horse, nnd 
holding for him the stirrup, that the king may tread upon him in rising 
to the saddle — what degradation ! and Athelwold is noble too — my hus- 
band ! Oh, 'tis most humiliating! Go, mighty king, the lower thou 
shall tread men beneath thy feel, the greater wilt thou be, and the more 
envied that woman whom thou shalt place be.side thee on thy throce. 
Should I become a widow 

Snter Athelwold, d. l. c , pale and agitated. 

Athel. Kate ! 



24 CATHEIUNE HOWARD. -^ 

Cath. {follotving Henry with Iter eyes). I am here. 

Athel. 'Tis well — hasten, a pen and parchment, instantly. 

Cath. What would you do 1 

Athel. {siltincf at table and writing). Where were you whilst the king 
was here? 

Cath. Behind yon tapestry. 

Athel. {still wyiting). Ah ! then you've heard 

Cath. Every word ! 

Athel. You heard, ray wealth is confiscated ? 

Cath. Yes. 

Athel. That even my life is menaced ? 

Cath. Yes, yes, but the king will be softened. 

Athel. {rising, and looking at her). And you know for whom I thus 
lose all ? 

Cath. {throiving herself into his arms). Oh, yes, yes. 

Athel. Well, the moment I have expected has now arrived. 

Cath. What mean you ? 

Athel. AVhen you recovered from your lethargy I showed you this 
vial, still half full of the narcotic liquid. 

Cath. Oh, Heaven ! 

Athel. Catherine, my beloved, 'lis now my turn to do that for your 
happiness which I caused you to perform for mine. I must now descend 
as you di 1, into the crypt — die to the world that I may live again for 
only you. {drinks.) 

Cath Oh, no, no ! you mn<t not. 

Athel. {showing the nnl eniptg). Behold! 

Cath. Eni|)ty ! — Mercy — 1 will call fur aid. 

Athel. Silence ! and remember that we must not lose a moment^ 
for moments are numbered to me now, and' there are a thousand things 
that I would say to thee. 

Cath. Athehvold! Athelwold ! Oh, Heaven ! how pale he is, already. 

Athel. Catherine, this parchment — it will be found about me will 
indicate that, fearing Henry's anger, and wishina to escape the block, I 
have taken poison. The motive will appear sufficient, and no one will 
susppct that my death is feigned. 

Cath. Athelwold ! Atlielwold ! this is tpmi)ting Providence. 

Athel. It has restored to me a more precious treasure, whicli I con- 
fided to its care. Lisien! T .im the last of my line; I dead, my name 
would be extinct, and my wealth would go unto the crown. Oh, be not 
alarmed, I shall still have gold enough for splendor in a foreign land. 

Cath. {thoiigJitfnl). What say you ? 

Athel. That, by all but thee, I speedily shall be forgotten ; thou 
alone wilt think of me when I'm enclosed within that tomb, of which 
tlieie are but two keys that can unlock the door. 

Cath. TwoI 

Athel. Yes; one of those keys must be given to my heir, my king. 

Cath. And the oilier 1 

Athel. {placing keg in her hand). To thee, my wife. 

Cath. No, no ! retain that liey, and when you shall awake, you can 
yourself employ it. 

Athel. And, who will place it near me ? have you forgotten that yoa 
may not yourself attend me to the tomb ? 

Cath. {taking the key). Ah, true ! 

Athel. {falling on his knee). And now, dearest, while still I've power 
to gaze — let me read in your eyes that I shall awake to love and hnpi)i- 
ness ! (Catherine sinks on the couch) while I can listen, let melie:r your 
sweet voice murmur words of tenderness in mv ear; and let its melodi- 



ACT III. 25 

ous accents penetrate to my soul, even wliile I sleep, for j'oii will be be- 
side my loinb, will you not? oh, yes, yes, you will be there, waicliing my 
rtMiiiii lo life — your eyes fixed on mime, your hand placed upon my 
lieiuL (takinf her hand— lie starts) Ah, that ring — again that ring ! Oh, 
leL me have it, Kate ! 

<-'ath. {giving it to him). There. 

Atuel. Oh, how liai)[)y am I in thy love. Oh, speak tome, — say that 
Jou aie mine, only Hiine , that I am dear to thee. 

(Jatu. Athelwold — my hii.sband I (uside) I know not what to say to 
liim. {embr'iccs Inm muvnlsiv<ly.) 

Athel. (risinff). Oil, embrace me not tiius, thou niak'st it, terrible to 
quit thee eveia for an hour — tiiy breath is of fire, it burns my blood — 
aif — air! I stifle; Catherijie ! {he faUs) Catherine! 

Catu. {on one knee — riming his Ixead on the other). Oh, heaven ! Oh, 
lieaven ! 

Atmel. T no loiitjer see, or hear thee — thy hand, {focihhj pressing it) 
where is thy hand"? Oli, Catherine, my lifel my soul — to-morrow! to- 
<norrow 1 

Athelwald's head slides from Catherine's hiee and on to grcund, Cath- 
EKINE contemplates htm for an instant as he lies before her, then, hrr 
lips trembling, but without speaking, sJie places her hand upon his heart. 
<ind, feeling that it has (eased te beat, she, stili on one knee behind the 
body, draws the royal ring from his finger and passes it on her own — • 
«Hd looks to window — this is done in .silence, and without music.. 

SLOW CORTAIN. 



ACT III. 

SCENE I. — The Thmne Room of the Falacrc as in Act I., Scene 1 — th-one 
on steps, c. — folding doors, K. C. , L. 1 E., and K. 1 e. — a small door, L. 
c. {the door opening towards K.) — (2d grooves.) 

Henut discovered seated. Princess Margaret hueeliii^ at kis feet, her 
head bowed on his knees. 

Princess. Oh, sire! brother! suffer me to weep before you, for you 
alone know why I weep. 

Hen. Couiuse, girl, courage. 

pRiN. {stil kneeling). Oh, my brother, yours is tlie greatest loss, for 
of all the flattering courtiers by whom you are surrounded, he was (he 
.Illy man who really cared for you. 

Hen. I know it. 

Prin. He was the most noble amongst all nobility; tlie bravest of 
.he brave. 

IIen. True, true ! 

Prin. And yet you menaced him, my biother — 'twas you who drove 
}iim to that dread extremity — 'tis you who are the cause of that. 

Hen. Oh, silence, silence ! The wealth of kingdoms would I give if I 
zci 'Id but racall the threats T uttered. 

Prin. Text late now, brother, too Ja(« — for he is dead. 

Hen. You are youiis, and will yet wed happily, Margaret, for you can 
choose aiuonssl the iiuhle>st of om- land. 

Piiix N); till- iKMft whcli has loved Athelwold, henceforth can wor- 



26 CATliElCiKE JIOWAKD. 

.ship only Heaven; and of all like world can offer I ask but this — {aside, 
proilticinrj key) — the key whiclj unlocks the vault where be lies buried, 
(aside) Farewell, Harry, farewell. 

Hen. My heart, too, is now bereft of all it loved. Ob, Catherine I 
Catherine I 

^ier Page, d. l. 1 b. 

^' Paob. Sire, a yoan^ lady who comes, she says, from the neighborhood 
of Riclimoiid, is in the adjoining oliamber, and most eari>eslly solicits an 
interview with your Majesty. 

Ue.v. Oil, 'Lwas near RichraoDd tliat Catherine resided. Bid the lady 
approach. [^it Page, d. i>. 1 e. 

Some companion, some one who knew her, and vvbo now aboub to wed, 
peradventure, coiues to ask a dowry at my bands. 

Cathebik B appears at d. l. 1 b., closely veiled. 

He:*. What would you, young lady ? (Catugbinb adomces slowly to the 
iiiiff, knech, ani presents the ring that lie has given her) The ring ! who, 
then, are you ? {Jie k'lstihj reirtovi's the veil — (Jathekihk remains on her 
knee, pi-.e,h".r eyes cast doion) Catberiiie Howard! great heaven! what can 
this mean ! do L ga/ie upon a shadow, or reality? {takirty her in his arms 
and riii.unj kv) Living! oh, it can.vol br? I for did I not behold yon ex- 
tendel oi tiie la'tlet, enveloped in a shroud, and ]>ale and frozen as a 
marble si.atiie ? Has Ileiven permitted yon to rise from the funeral 
bier 1 Oh, speak, speak ! your voica alone can prove to me that yon are 
jiot a plianlom. 

C'atu. Sire, am I th^ ff:'sl maid deemed dead, when only in a trance, 
who his aw.ikened in tin? ofBi wherein siie had been placed. 

He.v. Kii\g of Kings, Ki ig Harry thank thee! Knew you that I loved 
you ! 

Cath. I had been told so, sire. 

He.v. Knew you tliat, rendered desperate, I descended lo j'otjr torab ? 

Cath. That too, I was lold 

Hbv. And kiiew you that it W3.s this hand which placed that ring upon 
your finger 1 

Catii. The ring I haved restored to you, sire. 

Hen. And was your trance so deep, that you remember naught of all 
that passed wliile you so slept 1 

Cath. Nothing. 

Hb^j. And your previous life? 

Catu. [ have forgotLon it, 

He.v. Entirely 1 

Oath. I live only since the moment that I issaed from mj' grave 
— I have no memory fo;' aught beyond. 

He.v. But, tell me, dearest Catherine, how got yoo from the vault? 

Cath. {Inokirty at n key, zirhich she holds prcised in her hand). Every 
Tault has a key which closes and which o{>ens it. 

He.v Oil, I K-Iiudder at the thought that yon might have remainp(J 
enclosed v/ithin that sepnlcUre, living an^ongst the dead — and none have 
k'lown that you were there. 
■ Catis. Horror ! {»tirrliwi) that wrvitld hmve Iwen uiost awful I 

Hen. To awake within a coffin, aloot^, in darkness — rainiy to »hriek 
for succor, and to l>e answered only by tlie dreary echoes ; at last ti> 
feel appro I ch the jwn^s of hunger 

Cath. No nrore, no more ! {in yreat agony, earrying her hand tv her 
head) Oh, atrocious, most atrocious! 



ACT 111. 27 

Hen. Forgive lue for Uiiis rociilliii:^ to your llionglits siinli horrors, 
r.iid — stay — receive aj^aiii iliis riiij^. {■piactngit on her finger) Nevermore 
to l>e plucked from your finiier. 

Catii. Soyoureuew to Catlierine, liie living;, the promises made to 
Cailierine the dead 1 

Hen. All— my palace and my throne, — thou slialt shaie with nie ; thy 
most golden dreams shall he realized; thou shalt level in every delight 
which this woild can afford ; where'er my [)ower extends, thou shalt, 
conunand ; thou shall be happy. 

Cath. {lookiwj id kvij in her hand). Do you tliink sol 

Hen. By my faith, yes ! vvhe.ef(ire should st thou not 1 Art thou not 
young, beautiful, beloved 

Cath. And queen ^ 

Hkn. We will be united, snns delay, in our private chapel; and to- 
morrow I will publicly proclaim Catherine Howard the Queen of Hemy 
the Eighth. 

Catu. {going rnpidly to window). Sire, the water flowing beneath this 
window — is it very deep? 

Hen. Yes. {seeing her extend the hand which holds the key). What is't 
you dol 

Cath. {dropping key). Nothing! {tisde) I make myself queen, {aloud) 
S;re, your affianced bride is ready. 

Hkn. {embracing her). Ah, beloved Kate, await me here; speedily I 
tihiill leturn. [Hurries off, d. r. c. 

Cath. Am I really now awake, oi- is all dial's jiassitig round me but a 
dream. 1 feel impelled by an invisible brealh, which ui'ges ine forward, 
like the dust of the earth, or the clouds of heaven. But the past .' The 
past is annihilaled ; the present only is somethinii, the future everything. 
1 e.xist, I live! all thai is occurring to me now is real; what mailers to 
me, then, the rest. This is the i)alace, this the throne; my foot is on 1 he 
hrst step. {)ftnces it) I ascend, {docs so) I sit. {sits in throne clinir) 0!i, 
to assure me that all this is true, lei some one approac'i and how before 
me ; let them acknowledge my power, and salute me as the Queen. 

Enter Athelwold, pole nnd haggard, from door, L. C. — he advances slowly, 
and pliicts lis foot on the first stip of the throne. 

Athel. {lowing). Hail Catherine Howard, Queen of England ! 

Cath. {aghnst, fulliug back in chair). Honor, horror! 

A'ruEL. Scarcely a moment are you Queen, but yet, already, Cathe- 
riie, you see, that as soon as they're expressed, your wishes are accom- 
plished. 

Cath. Athelwold ! 

Athel. Do you indeed recognize me ; the grave is treacherous, is it 
iioi ? you deemed 'twas more seciu'e and more profound. 

Cath. Meicy ! awaken me, t)h. Heaven I no longer let me writhe a 
pvey to this most hellish dieani. 

.Athel. How gladly would you hear 'twas but a dream; but, no, 
Calheiine, no, you do not sleep. 
, Cath. Art thou a spectre — a phantom shade ! 

Atuel. Yes — to all but thee ; to thee I live — am still thy husband ; 
to all the rest, as lliou sayc^st I am a shadow ! 

Cath Whnt devil has evoked thee from lliy close-shut n)ail)le honi^ % 

Athul Tliou didst, forget, fair ('aiheiine, that there were two keys ; 
that I save thee one, and that the kin: received the other. Thou didst 
foiset that there weie two women - one- whom 1 d.d not love, but wh) 
loved mo (she is the Princess Maiynreij, the othc whom I loved, but 



28 CM11EK1M-; IIOWAKD. 

wlio loved me not, and she is Catlieiine Howard. These women have 
chaii<»ed characleis ; who should liave remembered has forgotten; who 
should have forgotten has remembered ; so that on my awakening, I be- 
lield the one instead of the oihei', beside ray tomb. 

Catu Oil, I crave your mercy, Athelwold ! ingoing to him) Forgive me, 
mill let us fly! let us depart together, as you at first did wish. 1 am 
ready !— conceal me within your cloak, bear me in your own dear arms, 
hide me in some remote and desolate corner of the earth ; but let us fly 
^let us fly ! 

Athel. (^repulsing her). No, lady, the destiny of all on earth must be 
liccomplished, mine, eijually with your own. 

Oath. Athelwold ! 

Athkl. You were of humble birth, but not content to be a Duke.s 
wife — you thirsted to be Queen. Well, your wish will be gratified — you 
have not feared the passion of Henry the Eighth — yet his love will de- 
slroy you. 

Cath. Oh, have pity on me. 

Athel. Vou have desired a crown and you will rest iton your brow, but 
it will whiten your hair ; you have sighed for a sceptre — you will grasp 
it, but it, will wither your hand ; you have sought a thione — you have 
mounted it, but in descending you will stumble against Anne Bolyen's 
block. 

Cath. {dnppivn tier hands to her neck). Oh, f-aints in heaven ! 

Athel. Hm, hidy ! — that your sleep may 1 ave golden dreams, you 
need a bed whereon already four queens have repced ! Dare to close 
your eyes there, Catherine, and on the moriow you s-lall tell me what 
those queens said when they came to you, at ihe hour when ghosts steal 
from their tombs. 

Cath. Am 1 to see you, then, again'? 

Athel. Canst ihou doubt it, Catherine ? Have we not stood together 
at the altar 7 and death alone can separate those whun? Heaven hath 
united. Yes,, thou wilt again behold nie, for (he most secret pas.'^aaes 
of the palace are familiar to me ; aid Fit Uiine, and the Pr.nce.'-s Mai- 
gaiet will lend me their aid, and will be silent. C.'itheiine How aid, 
though the Queen of England, is none Ihe less Countess of Nolliunihei- 
land. Tlie Nolhumbei land's rights are more ancient, madam, than those 
of the Ti.dor; and. faithful subject though 1 am, I can consent to yield 
to him but a portion of them. 

Cath. What is that you would do ? 

Athkl. Your ascenion to the throne has been but slow and tortuous ; 
f njoy without delay, the liai)piness of having reached it, for straight and 
rai)id will be your fall therefrom. 

Cath. But to crush me, you must also destroy yourself. 

Athel. [ have told you, Catherine, that in life and death my destiny 
is your own. We have reposed in the same bed — we will mount the 
same scaffold — will lie within the self-same grave. 

Cath. The king approaches — fly, my lord, fly ! 

Athelwold dur/s fo small door, l. c, a>id holding it open is concealed be- 
hind it. n. c doors are thrown open and Lords, Pages, &c., enier — 
Henkv cdiiiis forivard and takes Cathehine's hand. 

, Hen. My loids and gentleman, l)eliold the Queen. (Two or Three 
Voices exdaim " Loll^ Live tiie Queen " — All how.) Kate, I have kept my 
woid — the aichbisho]) stands in readiness. 

Athel. {aside). Let me now fulfill mine. Catherine, I go to prepare 
the executioner. 



ACT iir. 



29 



Flourish - oil go up c. — Catherine, at bm/c, funis and sees Athelwolp, 
ivho is gazing menacingly on her — slie shudders, utters a subdued erg, iniil 
clings to Henry — ull turn towards her — Athelwold disappears, clus'ug 

L. C. 

Scene closes in. 

SCENE U.— Street in \st grooves. 

Enter the Ddke oi'" Norfolk, attended, l. — Dctke of Sussex, attended, r. 

Sps. Slill ill England, my lord ! I believed ere this, you had renewed 
acquaintance witli tlie Scots on llie Banks of Tweed. 

Nor. Within the next foiir-and-twenty iiours I certainly shall depart; 
but have you heard the news at Court, ray lord! 

Sas. No ; 1 have this instant returned to London. Has aught of im- 
portance 

Nor. Then you do not know that Athelwold is dead? 

Sus. De.i 1 ! Iit'aven forefend ! how very sudden. 

Nor. And .sonielliing even moie important still has happene 1 ; but I 
have no time to tell you now, unless, indeed, you mak3 mv way ; there- 
by 

Sos. Oh, I have no momentous matter on my hands, and am most 
anxious to learn 

Nor. Coma, tiien, my lord. [Exeunt, e. 

Martin Kkinicly enters, l. dragging on Simon bg the collar. 

Krink. Do not ha ridiculous, Simon, but come along. 

Simon. 1 object to iliis proceeding — it is a liberty. 

Krink. 1 am very glad of it, for liberty is a scarce commodity now- 
a-days. 

Simon. You have ilragged me from my home. 

Krink. And not without sufficient reason — I am thirsty. 

Simon. This is tyranny ! 

Krink. Of course it is. I tell you, Simon, the country is full of 
tyrants — tliere is no such ihinij as f e^ lom U)V a living mortal. Look at 
ras, Siiuon, I pay taxes — well. {jvnnUng) the owner of yonder tavern, 
not an hour since, forcibly ejected nie from his premises, because, after 
I ha 1 drunk a tl ig )n of his vile home-brewed, he suddenly discovered 
tint [ lia I n > ni )ney wherewith to pay for it. 

Simon. And served yo;i right, Martin. 

Krink. Simon, you are unworthy the blesssings of freedom. I [lant 
for that liberty, whether I have money or not, I may help myself to 
wliatever I think jtroper. 

Si.MON. If your wife knew 

Krink. Mention not the f.'uial > here. Simon, do you know that one 
of our tyrants is defunct — the Dake of Northumberland is no more ? 

Simon. Poor gentleman, he had a good heart— he was kind to the 
pool-. 

Krink. Yes, and now observe how basely he has acted — evidently 
weary of these donations, he has poisoned himself, that he might hence- 
forth save his mon^y, and be rid of their importunilies. 

Simon. P.>iso?i'^d himself! oh. dear, that was very wiong. 

Krink. Simon, 1 see it plainly— you carry about with you the germs 
of tyranny, and if you had had th'^ power would no doubt Iiave taken 
froMi liiin I'le libe:ty to destroy himself. 

SiMjN. Certainly, I am a Christian. 



30 C.VIUKUINK HOWARD. 

Krink. Pooli, Simon, a Cllli^tiall is noiliiiig; buL I am a man — I pay 
taxes — man should b^' a f.ee agent, socoine along, Snuon, {grasping him) 
yoii have money, and my lliioat is remarkably dry. {shout without, k.) 
Ell ? wiial is liial ? have ilie people risen for llieir Jiberlies? llien Isliall 
{40 home iind pray tor Lheii- success. 

Simon (going to k.). Rise? ridiculous! what for? [looking off, it.) 
No — I see — 'lis the brave Duke of Susse.K ; as he passes along llie i)eopla 
recognize him. 

Makm'i.n'. Oh, miserable slaves! to shout because tliey seea loril— and 
that is liberty. 

StMoN. Certainly — the liberty, to shout. 

Kkink. Simon, tlianic Heaven I still have the liberty to say that yoii 
are a tool, {turns from him.) 

Simon. Ah, but that is making rather too free. 

Dl'IvE of Sussex ww^ Attendants niter r — Simon boivs and draivs hide 
— Ddke pusses over to l. 

Krixk. {not seeing Sussex). And would 1 shout —would I humble 
myself before a lord '/ never ! 

Sussex {close to Martin). Suffer me to jvass, good fellow. 

KiiiNK {starling, tarnnig, onl seeing Duke). Certainly, my lord — [ 
crave pardon — I was wl awai'e — {bowing hmiihlg mil profoandtg, and 
dniu'ing hack as DuiCK and h s .\ttendants go off') 

KiuNK. There ^oes one of the foes to iiberlj'. 

Simon. Tne 1 why did yoii bow so lowly to him ? 

KniNK. To hide fromjiim the indiiiiiatiou in my con itenance. 

Simon. Pooh ! yon are a coiniterfeit. 

Krink. Counterfeit ! how do you mean ? I am a man —I pay taxes— 
and I pant for froeitom — and I say that lords are foes to liberty — and 
while those lords aie at liberty there can be no liberty. 

Captain of Guard and Two Soldiers pass behind from j,. to r. 

{not seeing them) And if it needed a hand to e.Kterminate every lord in 
the kingdom — even the king — I 

Captain {saddcnlg stopping). Treason! {advancing quicklg, l) Which 
uf you uttered that ? 

Simon It was 

Krink. (quicklg). Certainly, it was he— he is for ever talking treason. 
I am a man —1 pay ta.xes. 

Capt. ( pointing to Simon). Secure him ! 

Simon {ns (hey seize him). No, no— 1 .nssnre you — Oh, Martin ! 

Krink. Simon, 'lis my duty to sacritice you — liberty demands it. 

Simon {in great alarm). Suffer me to speak 

Capt. You have already said too much. 

Martin. Certainly ! much too much— away with him. 

f Simon is taken off, r 

Capt Worthy fellow, we shall need your evidence— follow to tlie 
guard-iiouse. [Exit Captain, r. 

Krink. At, ]iresent 'tis not convenient. Simon will be no loss to soci- 
ety ; I only sh.ill regret him ; for, he gone, wlience will come the spied 
aie so necessary to inspire my patiiolic aidor ? Now, I will ao home to 
my dom"sii(>, tyrant, with the sweei coiisolniion that I nm a miin-l ])ay 
taxes — thnt 1 am not unworthv to be fiee; for I have this instant sacri- 
ficed my friend lo preserve my own libeity. 

[ With Roman firmness, exit, L. 



ACT ]ri. 31 

Sceuc c/io?if/es to. 

SCENE III. — Tlic Queen's Chamber in ilh grooves. Boor, L. p., covered 
with tapestry — dojr, k. 3 e. 

Catherine di^overed geated l. 2 n. — //<v cliiows on a talk, oiid her face 
burkd in her hands. 

Cath. Oil, liow quickly will luy biow lie furrowed by iveaiitig tliis 
fi)<isk of gayeiy wliile misery is at my i;p;ul. {rises) I lliougJit that I 
siimiid idve liiia because Le was a kin:; — love Lim ! (i/oes to a.) I fear 
hiiij, tJi^t is all. {-Sinks on coiu-h, r. c.) 

ATfiRLwiiLij, UHsceii hy CathkKike, reiisee inpeslrtj of ». l. f. — e»te7-i riiid 
slwsUj odvaiieee. 

And oil, should h' continue to pui'sue — he said this moriiisij; Ik' wnuld 
couie Lo tue ! — I dare not look around lest I should see lii?n Mar.diii^ 
J here, {poiHtiHg, ivtlJiOKt lookm-ff, ot tiie spot uhifc Atcielm"olu w eifuidivg) 
Mern, and iii«iiacing — ifsi i sho^ild hear iiis sepulchral yoic^ piououiice 
my name, {stnrti^ig ttp) I will suninjon my Maids of Honor — why dc» 
they leave me thus alone 1 {eibout to ring biil, h — her katul is arrcs.'ccl hy 
Ihut of Athelwolo.) 

Atiiel. One inslant, Catherine! 

Cath. Gieat Heaveu ! How got you here? 

Athel. {poiutino). By that door, which coiomunieates with lh«apart- 
Eueiits of tlie Princess Margaret, 

Catci. You are a magician ] I myself, locked that door. 

Athei.. You always forget, Caiherjne, tliat there may be two keys to 
every lock 1 

Catu. {goiug hnstilij io r. fc). This, at \ea&l — ^secures s. d. by placing 
the wooden bar aavss if.) 

Athel. Poor Catherine '. tliou art a,s anxious now to prevent ihe king 
beholding me, as 1 was foitaerly lo guard you from Ins sight. 

Cath. Oh, if he saw me here with y(iu, we ixiih were lost. 

Athel. The very words which once I ^p<.ke to you. 

Cath. And now, what %vould you with nie? spoak ! 

Athel. I would know if ih^' new fortune iialh made Ihee happy. 

Cath. Happy 1 Athehvold ! 1 could not wish such hapi)iriess to the 
murderer of luy mother ! Rest sali.'-fif<l, that j'ou are well avrnged ; — 
<li(l you but know imw much I sutiei', oh ! surely you woukl pity me. 

Atuel. Pity, madam 1 that wou'd be a strange tentiment to cheiish 
for a queen. Pity you ! — have you not gained all that you so much de- 
sired— obseqiiious page.s, a brilliant court, fcuperb veslmeots, and sump- 
tuous apartments ? 

Cath. Oh, for Nurse Kennedy, my plain white vohe, my little room 
at Itichmoud — and thee, my Alhelwold, loving me as thou ojice loved 
me ! (sinhs on eouch, n. c ) 

Athel. {sittwo at table near couch). Yes — I, at that time was sad wliile 
you were gay. You have not forgotten, Catherine, the ballad that you 
so oft recited to ine ? The king has received his answer — the bondwo- 
man wears a crown. 

Cath. Oh, unhappily, yes ! 

Athel. {risiH{f. end seating kiinse'!f on sto^d at CATnv.niyF.'sficf). When 
I nskcd you fa- ih" so([iii>l of the loves of Richard and Elfrida the fair, 
yo\i ;ms\\(-M^i ilial ynn ili I not know ii — shall I relate it to you i* 

Cath. To \Uiat [uuitose'! 



32 CATHElilNE HOWARD. 

Athel. Because tLe sloiy may interest yon, since it bears a close ro- 
se iil)lance to our own. (places his hat on couch.) 

Oath. Say and do whatever you will — yoii are the master. 

Athel. Well, Elfrida answered " Yes,'' and became queen. 

Oath. Unhappy woman! to be a queen ! 

Athel. But si»e had foigotlen one thing — which was, to confess her 
amour with Richard to her royal husband. 'Tis very strange, but there 
w.as at that ume a law exactly similar to that which Henry of England 
lias passed, which condeu>ned to death any female who, after a like af- 
fection, should, without informing him of it, espouse the king. 

Oath. To death % 

Athel. 'Tis true that this secret was known only to Richard — Richard 
her accomplice. 

Oath. And that law condemned the acconaplice to the same death 
that it inflicted on the guilty woman. 

Athel. Yes ; bui. what is death to a man who has been jealous ; es- 
pecially when that deati* brings him revenge upon the woman that caused 
kim to suffer all the tortures of hell. 

Oath. Mercy \ 

Athel. Richard found means to gain entrance into the Palace; pen- 
etrating even to the apartments of the queen, who, no doubt, was study- 
ing by what way she could be rid of that man. 

Oath, {(fuickliy). Oli, yon cannot think thai ? 

Athel. 01), no ! Perhaps she would only have immured him within 
some vault, of which she alone possessed the key ; she might tliere 
have left him to die of hunger and thirst j or have hiui stricken with a 
dagger 

Oath. Oh, never, never ! 

Athel. However, that he might be prepared for every hazard: he 
wore beneath his vestments a ooat of mail — like this, {draws aside hii 
tnnie, and displa;/iH a coat of mail) For though Richard feared not death, 
he greatly dreaded the loss of vengeance ! Well, as I said, h'^ i>eiietrated 
to the queen's clianvber where she was alone; he sealed himself at her 
back, as I am now at yours. Then he took the liaiuls witii wjiich she 
would have concealed lier face — {dragrfing her hands down, as she is about 
io hide her face, and ho'din^ them):—?i\\A forcing her to look into his eyes, 
he said to her, " Catlterine," — no, I mistake, Elfrida — " never was woman 
loved by man as I loved thee!" Speak. 

Cath. Never ! 

Athel. " Never man sacriSced so much for woman, as I for thee I " 
Speak. 

Cath. Never, rtever! 

Athel. " And never was man so atrociously rewarded as I have 
been." {rising) Speak, will you, speak 1 

Cath. {rising from couch, and bending before him). Mercy, mercy ! 

Athel. {desparingly). Oh, he would have pardoned everything in that 
woman, her forgetful ness, her ingratitude, even his death, everything, 
except having passed into the arms of another ; he could not forgive 
her that — it was impossible that he could ever pardon her, and so they 
perished both ! 

Cath. Perished! {fnimprfs heard.) • 

Athel. Yes ; for wi,«;ist the queen's lover was locked with her, in her 
chamber, the king returned from the council board. 

Oath. My lord, my lord ! those trumpets announce that the king is 
comins hither ! fly, oh, fly ! 

Athel. {immovable). And as he would not leav e 

Cath. Ah I 



ACT III. 33 

Atdel, When the kins reached the door of the queen's apartments — 
{knocking at D. K.) — lie found it firinly sealed ! « 

Hen. (^without). Open, Iv:Ue, il is 1. 

Cath. {imploringly). My lord, my lord ! {clinging to Athelwold.) 

Atuel. {raising his voice). And heard two voices together speaking. 

Hex. Catherine, you are not alone ! Open. 

Athel. {thrusting Catherine f/om him, who falls). Ha. Ha! 'tis now 
thy turn to feel the pangs of jealously. 

Catu. {kneeling). Be merciful, and slay me ! 

Hen. (without). Aid me, "gentlemen — guards force the door ! {the 
door IS struck violently without, r.) 

Catu. {pointing to door, xohich is yielding). See — see! 

Atuel. Ves, it is time that I should quit thee, but, Catherine, we 
shall meet again ! 

Hurries off behind the tapestry, h. C, as v>. H. 3 E. is forced open, and 
Henry enters, sword in hand, accompanied by Lords, 6;c. — Soldikus 
appear in the doorway. 

Hen. {looking round): No one ! how is this ? Who, madam, has been 
with you ? {grasping her arm) Look at me, and answer ! 

Catu. No one sire— no one; you see that I am alone. (Henuy 
searches, and suddeidy sees Athel wold's hat.) 

Hen. (holding hat towards her). And ihis 

Cath. Oh, heaven ! 

Hen. (going to tapestry door, l. c). He to whom it belongs can only 
have left by this portal ! Am I not right? 

Cath. (running to him.^. Sire I 

Hen. (trying door). AL'ide fast! 

Cath. (reassured). You see 

Hen. The key ! 

Catu. The key -I — I know nothing of it, sire. 

Hen. Search, and you will find it. Search, I say ! 

Cath. Impossible — I cannot remember 

Hen. Will you swear you have it not about vou ? 

Cath. (producing key, and offering it). 'Tis here. sire. 

Hen. {endeavoring to open v. f"). 'Sdeatli ! is it so? — the point of a 
dagger broken in the lock ! Ah ! your accomplice has contrived his 
measures admirably to prevent pursuit ; but he forgot that he would 
leave you within my power. Tiie name, madam, of that man ? 

Cath. Sire, 1 implore you 

Hen. His name 1 

Cath. (entreatingly). No One, sire ! -• 

Hen. His name ? 

Cath. Oh, I cannot, sire — T cannot ! 

Hen. Ah, you cannot!— so said Anne Boleyn too, but we found mean<? 
1o conquer her silence, and closely as her adulterous lips were sealed, vet 
agony wrung from them the name of Norris ! For the last time, Cathe- 
rine, the name of your paramour ? 

Cath. I am at your mercy, sire : do with me what you will. 
4^1 EN. And not to justify thyself— not a word to make me doubt the 
evidence of my senses 1 Aaain deceived— a'jain betrayed— and always 
by those most near and dear to me. Cni>tnin of the Guard, secure your 
prisoner! 

Cath. Oh, sire — sire! 

Hen. Catherine! be ready to appear before the judges who con« 



C\ 1 IIKUINK llwWAUU. 






Iho StMllnM ' (Ca-I IIEIM.N!': ' 


I'Irrs.f 


,!e^>, 


rtiiiih: — IIi,.m;y i<in/6 in-'ij. 


'1\MU 


'■■" ) 


Scene (1(1 fs in. 







deinnod Aiiiii> B^ileyn Id !lio stMllnM ' (Ca-i iieim.n !■: n'/ns .i Jc/mri (/cry, 
ami /(/llx sennek's^ to tlie (jrt 



SCENE IV. — Rooin in Mauti.n Ki;im;lkv's House, n, \.\l ijiaa-es. 
Enter Martin, Jolhicd by Winifkkd, k. 

WiNiF. Stir from the liouse at tliy j)eril ! 

Keink. Oh, giaraercy ! and 1 am a iiinn^I ])av laxps 

WiNiF. If I were not more thrifty than thou — lazy variel !— riuih'.nji; 
■would be paid. 

Krink. And must I suffer my patiiotic nature to be siibdiird by a 
woman? — must I be pent up wiliiin four walls, while my hcari, is struii- 
gling for a nation's liberty ? Woman, know'st thou the value of fie(>- 
doni 1 

WiNiF. Yes, but thou shalt not, for at least a week to come. I v\ ar- 
rant me, thou wonldst g« to Simon Kreetnur 1 

Krink. No, decidedly, I have no inclination thereto — it would not 
harmonize with the liberty 1 contend for. 

Enter Simon Kkeetkuk, n. 

Simon! and free 1 Let me embrace (hee, thou martyr to liberi y ! 

Simon. Keep off! Your turn will come Oh, Mistress Krinkly I l.nst 
thou heard the dreadful tidings'] Catherine Howard, so lately become 
queen, is sentenced to be belieaded. 

WiNiF. Oh, dear, dear ! anoliier poor croalu'e doomed to tliO bluck ! 
My heart foreboded ihat Anne Boleyn would not be the last. Wl.at a 
lime for us lovely women ! 

Krink. And there again — why should a king arrogate to himself a 
liberty that he denies his subjects 1 

WiNiF. What dost thou mean, dolt? 

Krink. The king has hnd five wives — I but one. When he wearies 
of them, he makes them shorter by the head. I am a man— 1 pay ta.xes 
—wherefore, then, should 1 not enjoy the same precious liberty 1 

WiNiF. 01:, thou Bluebeard ! 

Krink. Why should not I, at the present moment, be about to rid 
myself of my fifth wife ? Nay, I would not complain if I were even 
now allowed thus pleasantly to put away my first. The smallest dona- 
tion to liberty would be thankfully received, 

WiNiF. {in a rnge). Thou wretch ! 

Krink. But, gimon, there is no hope for liberty. 

WiNiF. {strikinej him rn the slwulder). Thou monster! 

Krink. {roaring). Oh ! Simon, liberty has received a heavy blow. 

Simon. Martin. I despise you — you are a traitor to yonr friend. 

Krink. Friend! I reject the term— you are my instrument — my 
victim. 

Simon. Very well, then, we shall presently change places, for I very 
soon found witnesses to prove that it was you who always talked treason. 

WiNiF. What is ail this ? % 

S'.MON. He caused me to be locked in prison for his faults. Mistress 
Winifred. 

WiNiF. Oh, tliou mnninkin ! 

Kuink. What so sacred as our liberty 1 

Simon. And soldieis will be here to convey him to the Tower. 



ACT III. 



35 



WiNiF. I am very glad to hear it. 

KniNK. Wliat? then, I am lost. Oh, Simon, you surely could not! — 
fltisay your words. Oil, I implore you, by our long-tried friendship — 
surely you will not basely sacrifice me to save your own worthless life ? 
Simon, by the many cups of sack that we have drunk together — and 
vou have always paid for — I implore you, save me. 

Simon. You know, Martin, 'lis my duty to sacrifice yon — liberty de- 
jnnds it. 

Kkink. No, Simon, my liberty does not demand anything of the sort. 
"iiMON turns from him) The tyrant is inexorable. You, Winifred, my 
iond, my doaling wife — you will save me — hide me — think of liberty, 
ai/d lock me in the ale-cellar. 

WiMF. No, Martin, thou dost deserve thy punishment, and the law 
must take its course. 

Kruvk. Take its course! Oh, that means that my blockhead must go 
to the block. Oh, how loose my head does feel. Winifred Kriiikly, 
now I understand yoar atrocious nature— you are a disciple of the 
King's liberty— you are a female Harry the Eighth, Mistress Winifred; 
and you are about to repudiate your first Imsband. Oil, 'tis all very well 
to be a patriot^-^bal I never intended to be a martyr, {going l.) 

Captain of Guard cntcru, l. 

Capt. Halt! Marun Krinkly 

Simon, {pointing). I'li.it is the illustrious individual. 

Capt. Good 1 

Krink. Mercy, your li.ghness, I am a man — I paj'' taxes. 

Capt. Mariiii Krinkly, my soldiers are without, au I 1 arrest thee for 
seditious speech — come. 

KuixK No, no; mercy! have you no regard for the liberty of the 
subject ? 

Capt. Thou art d iMgenuis to the king's welfare. 

Kkink. Me? iliere never wus a more harmless mortal — ^T appeal to 
my wife — she has known me a great many years — even before I was 
married. 

Capt. {suddenly dr<,iving his sxvord). Come ! 

Krink. {fulling on his knees). No, no, do not kill me here — not before 
my wife— respect her feelings, if you have no regard f )r mine. Lei me 
have liberiy lo kneel at youi' feet — I love the king — admiie his policy — ■ 
particularly his matrimonial arrangements. Henry the Eighth for ever 
— long live the king ! hurrah! 

WiNiF. Captain, thou may'st spare him, for he is but a silly goose, 
and his cackle very harmless. 

Krink. {stdl on his knees). There, I told your worship that she knew 
me. 

Capt. It is the character that I before have heard of him ; but so 
much license cannot be peiuiiiied to his tongue. If, however, you, who 
appear a prudent woman, will umiertake to control him 

Krink. Of course she will — 'tis her constant custom. 

WiNiF. Trust me that, for the future ; I shall hold him with a tight 
rein. 

Simon. And take my advice, Mistress Winifred, sometimes apply the 
lash. 

Krink. {looking repronchfidly at Simon). And that is the friend whose 
spiced ale I have so often drunk ! 

Capt. Then, Martin Krinkly, I spare thee for the present; but re- 
member, thou will be strictly watched. [Exit, l. 



36 CATHERINE UOWAUD. 

Krink. (o)t his k)ifes). I am a man — t pay taxes — and (/ okm^ <u him- 
self) tliis is tlie tax 1 have to pay for liberty. 

VViNiF. Gel lliee to thy lioine, instantly, Simon. 

SiMuN. Ves, Mistress Winifred ! farewell, most valiant patriot— most 
illustrious martyr. [Exit, h. 

WiNiF. Rise, varlet ! how could'st thou so degrade thy manhood as to 
kneel to a captain of the guard ? 

KuiNK. (^rising). You cannot possibly think that I bowed the knee to 
liim ? 

WiNip. Well, unless my eyes deceived me 

KiuNK. They did— for 'twas not him that I invoked — 'twas not to him 
1 knelt— no, I bowed to glorious liberty — I am still ready to die for lib- 
erty. 

WiNiF. Art tliou 1 then thou shalt have no liberty for a month. 

Krink. No ! then thou art too free altogether ; and when you talk of 
the liberty to abridge my liberty, J. must take the liberty to observe that 
it is a liberty I shall not allow, {^she boxes his ears — he dodges her, and runs 
oJ\ R. — Winifred follows healing him.) 

Scene changes to 

SCENE V. — Chamber in the 2'ower, in 2d grooves. Two-thirds of the fltts 
are covered by large hlwk curtains to discover the 3rd and 4th E. — door, 
R. V. E. — table and chair, L. — lamp, large open book, and writing mate- 
rials. 

Catherine is discovered, kneeling on hassock, her face hid on her arms, ichich 
are .•■prcad upon the tabic. Clock begins to strike five — at the third stroke, 
Catueuine raises her head, and begins to coiiat. She is dressed in plain 
black, her hair is dishevelled, and 6he is deadly pale. 

Cath. Three— four— five ! Five o'clock ! Another hour and I am 
dust; and to-morrow tire sun will rise upon my grave. So young, yet I 
have but to e.xlend my arm, to reach eternity — to die, to die ! Oh, 
Heaven ! wilt thou leave me thus to perish 1 {rising) Oh, if the king 
would but prirdon me! aiid suffer me lo return to the retreat from 
whence he drew me. Oh, that I were but permitted to kneel and weep to 
him. surely he would have compassion— surely he would si)are me. I 
must see him. (prcdaeitig diamond ring) My lust hope— all tiiat is left to 
me of my queenly fortune — oh, come thou to my aid ! And the time is 
l)a.ssing — the moments fly I How long is't since it was five o'clock 1 I 
can no longer niea.sare the hours — my senses are bewildered. 

She sinks into chair, her hands pressed npnn her forehead — she starts, fixes 
her eyes on d. r. tr. e., it sloivly opens — the Exkcotioiver enters, takes 
a step or tivo ivithin the door, and then sinks on his knee — Catherixe, 
on his entrance, has started to her feet, and is now clinging with one 
hand to the table. 

ExE. You know, madam, who I am 1 
Cath. I fear «o. You are — you are — {unable lo finish.) 
ExE. Yes. 

Cath. Why vlo you kneel? 

ExE. I come, accordintr to custom, to ask forgiveness. 
Cath. Oh, moc';ery ! The deaihsman asks pardon of the victim he is 
J;;'s>il L.> s'ay. 



A f 1 1 1 1 . O I 

ExE. r innsL piMfoiiii my iliity, madam. 

Cath. {luokiwj lit duunond. irliiiit she has placed on her finger'). Think 
you not thai yours is a honib.i' ii;iilo \ 

ExK. (^risi)ig). Horrible ! 

Cath. Why, ih^-n, <lo you follow it 7 

ExE. Because my f^ratjtlsire b»'(}m.'alhed it to my father, and it was 
my fathers lejjacy to me. 

Cath. Then you abhor the trade ? 

ExE. I have known the time liiat I would have given half my life to 
have been ijcmiitled lo embrace another 

Cath. And since 

ExE. I have found it necessary to harden my nature to it. 

Catu. There is, iu London, no other of your calling ? 

ExE. No otiier, madam. 

Catii. And, were ymi to quit the city, no one could replace you. 

ExE. No one, madam. 

Catu. And they would be forced to send to Calais, for 

ExE. Yes. as they did for Queen Anne, as 1 could have wished thai 
tliey have done for you. 

Cath. And a respite of three or four days thus would be obtained. 

ExE. Undoubtedly. 

Cath. (^to heistlf). Lurint; which I should be able to see the king, or 
if not see, write to him, ami perchance obiain my naidon. {gving to 
Execdtionek) My friencl, you must quit London. 

ExE. Imjio-ssible. 

Cath. Wherefore ? 

ExE. Who would support niy wife and children 1 

Cath. But, it 1 made you rich 1 

ExE. Rich ! 

(Jatu. What is your yearly reconqiense for this 

ExE. Twenty pounds. 

Cath. Look at this ring. 

ExE.^Well 

Cati'. It is woiili a thousand porrids— a sum that it would take you 
twenty years to win. You may if yru cl^oui-e f.os^ess this ring. 

ExE- But to earn it, what would he ie<inircd of me? 

Cath. To fly— that is all; I do not iisk yfiu to save me, that 1 know 
you could not do ; but with your wife and chiUlren inslanlly depart and 
quit the kingdom. No one \\oidd lecognize yaix — you would no lonoer 
return home wiih hands leddened with blc(.d,and the infanjy bfqueallied 
lo you by your fa her would n<ii (lehter.d icto your son. 

ExE. 1 need not run so ; reat risk to obiain that rin<2, for it will belong 
to me — everything woiii by the cor dcnmed is my inheritance. 

Cath. But I would give this riui; to <ne of my women. 

ExE. You will no more behold them. 

Cath From the scaffold I could proclaim its worth, and cast it amid-t 
the crowd. 

ExE. I could snatch it from you, here. 

Catu. Look! {holding ring to Iter mouth). Even that attempt would fail 
you. 

ExE. And that ring, madnm, is really woi ih a thousand pounds 1 you 
swear it 1 

Cath. {placxng her hand on open look which lies on table), I swear it ou 
this sacred volume. 

ExE. Give it lo me, and I go. 

Cath. And by what oath will you assure me of your departure ? 

ExE I swear, madam, ly the I.fe of my youngest child — nnd mny 



38 C.VTUKUrXE howaud. 

Heaven ciMisIi mo if 1 d > not f'iil(i;i my oalli — tliiil on llie instant I re- 
ceive Liuit liiiii, 1 will (juil Ldiulon, and never again leluni. 

Catu. {givuig ruig). Talis it, tiien, and fl}'. (Executioner hurries off, 
D. K. u. E. Catherine * nkmg on her htecs) Oh, Heaven, I tliank thee, 
for I believe thou hast at last had [)ily on me. 

Enter AKCiiiiiyiiop Cka.nmer, d. r. u. e. 

Cran. I am glad, ray child, to find you in that humble posture, since 
you have now but half an houf to live. 

Catu. {rising). Ah ! {aside) but he knows not — no, no — {smiling) he 
does not know. 

Cran. My child, what strange t'loughts occupy your mind, that they 
at sucii a fearful moment can cause you lo smile ] 

Cath. Father, you mu^t procure me acces.s to the king. 

Cran. Impossible, madim ! the e.Kecution is fixed for six o'clock, and 
it is now so near the li >ur that 

Cath But if that execution shouUi not take place ! 

Cran. {shaking hi^ head). My child ! 

Cath. You will never leveal what now I am about to utter 1 

Cran. Oli, never ! 

Cath. {leaning on his shoulder and speaking in a subdued tone). There 
can be no execuiion without an executioner — and he has fled ! {in a still 
lower tone) even while now we speak, he has quilted London. 

Cran. How very strange ! 

Cath. Hark ! {murmurs without.) 

Cran. It is the crowd assembled before the scaffold. 

Cath. .4!i! they will lose theii- expected sport. I will now write to 
the king! you promi.se tiiat you will deliver him my letter? 

Lieutenant of Tower enters d r, v. e- — several Persons look anxiously 

it. 

What would you ! » 

Lieut. Pardon, ni dnm, bui — {U.o/.ii/g clout) — he is not heie ! 

Catu. {nsidr). They will not (inl him — he lias kept his word. 

Cran. [to Catiikiuxej. Heaven pioleci you, my child, (to Lied 
tenant) You seek 

Lieut. The exi-^cuiion,^r, for I could not believe that he had fled, {train. 
p<ts heard ivithont.) 

Cath. {clinging to Th.^nmer). What is that? 

Lieut. A proclar.iaiiDii iliat if, for the present occasion, anyne vill 
volunteer to su|)ply ilie place of ilie missing executioner, he sliaU. recpivv\ 
the sum of twentv p^nnds, and he perinitied to conceal his features be~ 
ne:ith a mask, {trump/i i^o, nds cnjuin, mure distant — Lieutenant goes off^ 
D. R. U. E., door is close. I ) 

Cath. But there oanr.ot, ur)dei- lienven, befcmiid a wretch sufficiently 
vile lo undertake the o i s<i:iie mission! 

Cran. I hope no:, mv cliiKl. 

Cath. Lei me iiisi, mi v wiite to th'> kinsf. {sits "t t 'Iili) Tell me, my 
lord, what I mu.st say io him, for my brain is wanderiiiL'. 

Cran. Wi-ittMhe langn.ige of truth, iuid heiiveii jieMu'Lit lo soften 
the king's heart ! 

Cath. Oh, no onei will offer — no one wou'd peii' .vu the horrible task 
■ — 'twould be a hideous nssassiiial 'on. 

Cram. (c). Wriie, ma<lam, wiiie. 

Cath {wriling). " Henry — with my foot upon the scaflold, by tlie 
light of a last ray of hope do I — " 



StidiUnly stopping, (/rasping Cranmer's rohe and pointing to a Man, who 
inlcrs, IHiifkfd, D. R. u. E. 

Look tlieie, ni}' lord — (with great terror) Look there / {rising and retreat- 
v/g) It is lie— it'is he ! 

Athkl. (masked, having ndrauccd slatdg to L. C. as she rceoils, passing 
with her back to the audience to u. c.) jMadam, are you prepared ! 

Catii. It is his voice — his accursed voice ! How came 1 to forget him ? 
{to Ckanmkr) Ah, my lord, I aui lost! (passes to the other side o^'Ckan- 
MEii — clivgmg to him) I aui lost. 

Cran. EiiLreai this man to have pity on you, my child. 

Catu. Pity IVum him ? as well expect it from the block on which I am 
nbout to {)lace my head. 

Cr.AN. You know him, then 1 (ahe shudders.) 

Athel. Oh, yes! — You know me, Catherine, do you not? you re- 
member, " tiie destiny of both of us mu.st be accomplished." Confess 
to 'lie holy father thai you deserve your punishment— that once to die 
is itisiifiieeni for your ciiines — and that you have merited a thousand 
deal lis. Hasten, madam, for it is the hour of your doom— and the heads- 
man awaits his victim, (he passes out through curtains, c.) 

Cran. My dauHhter ! 

Cath. Yes, my lord, yes— I am indei'd a guilty wretch — think yc-. 
that Heaven will pardon me? 

CuA.N. Hope, child, for infinite is its mercy. 

Four Maids of Honor dressed in hlicJc enter d. B. U. e., and comes slmeiy 

fortCi:rd, 

Cath. (to them). I did not th'iik that I should "^ee you once agnip. 
Would that 1 was able to bequeath you something in remembrance oi 
5'oiir queen ; but poor, I mounted to the throne, and poor indeed do 1 
descend therefrom — I have nothing. 

Ladies knerl, two on each side of her, and weeping, kiss her hands. Th.3 
Jirst stroke of six o dork is heard — she shud ttrs, and staggers back a pace 
or two — the Ladies continue kneeling. 

Cran. (going tn Catherine). Daughter ! 
Catu. I am ready, father — I am leai.y. 

Catheiune goes sloivhj off throuah cu> tains, supported iy Craxmer — the 
clock continues striking, and af/rr the last stroke of six, a short pause — 
then a dull heavy sound, as of the axe falling — confused murmurs — the 
black curtains are su^ldcnlg drawn aside, and discover a raised scaffold, irs 
V. E. ivith steps leading to it from the stage — on each side of the steps, 
GrARDS, with halbcris and torches — on scaffold, the body o/Catiierixe 
covered tnth a pall — Cra.nmer kneeling, and Atiielwold upright, his 
hand upon the handle of the axe — in the distance, painted on a drot). 
Tower Hdl and Spectators. 

Tlie Lieutenant and Officer? advance slowly on each side from the back 

— pause. 

Athel. The law condenincil alike tlm guilty woman and her accom- 
plice, and — that the sentence may bo fully executed — to your hands I 
now liive (hat acco!ii]»li(-e. (casting aside axe, and tearing mask from his 
face) Ceiiold him I arrest him ; kill Iliii! H'.s mission in life is done 



40 CATHERINE HOWARD. 

— liis outraged love and honor are revenaed, and now — welcome ! oh, 
welcome death to the last Nothumberland ! 

Two Officers rush on to scaffold and secure Athelwold — at same time 
general exclaimatxon of " Atlielwold ! " Grand tableau and 

CURTAIN. 



PROGRAMME OF SCENERY AND INCIDENTS. 

(For Small Bills, etc.) 

ACT 1.— Scene 1st.— The old palace of Blackfriars. The king reveals his passion for 
the obscure beauty, and confides to Athelwold his design ot taking a fifth wife - 
the alchemist and the noble— the philtre. 

Scene 2</.— The secluded dwelling of Catherine on the banks of the Thames. Ambi- 
tious aspirations of the cottage girl— the earl and his secret— desperate res<ilvu 
of Athelwold to preserve his hoDor and his love, and he administers the draught 
of seeming death. 

ACT II.— Scene Isf. — The vatilts of the chapel reserved for the burial of the House 
of Northumberland. The lifeless form of Catherine eutoiubeJ in a noble grave— 
the husband's visit, and the lover's pilgrimage— peril of the king — " if she wakes, 
he dies" — Henry departs-— the secret safe. 

iScetie 2(i.— A street in old Loudon. The tippler and his purse — the gray mare the 
better horse. 

.Scene 3f/. — Reception chamber in Northumberland-house, looking on the village of 
Charing. The earl and his lady — the secret revealed to Catherine — love, resent- 
ment and ambition, which shall be conqueror ? — a monareli's anger— desperate 
resource— the fatal vial drained — the earl's trust betrayed, and he is consigned 
from seeming to certain death. 

ACT III.— ,5cewels<.— Throne room of the palace. Grief of the princess— remorse 
of Henry— the second key— arrival of the veiled lady— Catherine living !- trau.s- 
port of the king— the first step of the throne— the spectre from the silent .sepul- 
chre — conscience avauut !— ambition rewarded — Catherine Howard Uuccu u£ 
England. 

Scene 2fi.— High treason — Krinkly in trouble— his presence of mind and Roman for- 
titude—without a sigh he sacrifices his friend to save himself. 

Scene 3d.— Chamber of the queen. The serpent in the " golden round of sovereign- 
ty "—useless remorse— the avL-nger comes- how poor ambition seems when 
weighed against content and love — the king's return— again betrayed !— the 
doom of Anne Boleyn upon the hapless Catherine. 

Scene ilh. — Martin again in trouble— he is given over to safe keeping, and receives 
striking proofs of his wife's attachment. 

Scene 5th.—"- That ends this strange, eventful history " — The Tower— Catherine's last 
hour arrives — a ray of hope— the executi'oner bought— his flight, and hope's 
bright dawn again — proclamation for a headsman — the avenger comes — the doom 
accomplished, and Catherine Howard dies upon the Mock. 



STAGE DTRECTIONS. 

R. means Right of Stage, facing the Audience ; L. Left ; C. Centre ; R. C. Rif;ht 
of Centre ; L. C. Left of Centre. D. F. Door in the Flat, or Scene running across 
the back of the Stage ; C. D. F. Centre Door in the Flat ; R. D. F. Right Door in 
the Flat ; L. C. F. Left Door in the Flat ; R. D. Right Door ; L. D. Left Door ; 1 E. 
First Entrance ; 2 E. Second Entrance ; IT. E. Upper Entrance ; 1, 2 or 3 O. First, 
Second or Third Groove. 

R. R. C. C. L. C. L. 

B^" The reader is supposed to bo upon the stage facing the audience. 



M WITT'S ACTING PLAYS. 



■>(S' rieate notice that nearly all the Comedies, Farces and Comediettas in tJia following 
\IVt8t of •' De Witt's Acting Plays " are very suitable for representation in small Amateur 
■heatres and on Parlor Stages, as they need but little extrinsic aid from complex scenery 
•I axpenaive costumes. They have attained their deserved popularity by their droll situa- 
tiofls, excellent plots, great humor and brilliant dialogues, no less than by the fact that 
they are the most perfect in every respect of any edition of plays ever published either in 
Uib United States or Europe, whether as regards purity of text, accuracy and fullness of 
stage directions and scenery, or elegance of ty^iography and clearness of printing. 

■f^* In ordering please copy the figures at the commencement of each piece, which 
indicate the number of the piece in " De Witt's List of Actikg Plays." 

je£g- Any of the following Plays sent, postage free, on receipt of price— J't/tcen Cents 
each, 

AS" The figure foUowing the name of the Play denotes the number of Acts. The 
jgured in tht columns indicate the number of characters — M. male ; F. female. 



M. F. 

75. Adrienne, dram', 2 acts 7 3 

281. Axl that Glitters n not Gold, comic 

di'ama, 3 ac'B 6 3 

108, All ou Account of a Bracelet, come- 
dietta, 1 Rct 2 2 

114. Auytjiiug for a Change, comedy.l act 3 3 

167. Apple Blossoms, comedy, 3 acts. ..7 3 

93. Art-a Belle, farcn, 1 act 3 2 

i. Atchi. comedietta, 1 act 3 2 

89. Au.it Charlotte's Maid, farce, 1 act. 3 3 
158. .\unt Dinah's Pledge, temperance 

drama, 2 acts 6 3 

1S7. Bachelor's Box (La Petite Hotel), 

comedietta, 1 act 4 1 

Ito. Bardell vs. Pickwick, sketch. 1 act. 6 2 

310. IJarraok Eoora (The), comedietta,2a. 6 2 

41. Beautiful Forever, farce, 1 act 2 2 

i41. Bells (The), '"jama, 3 acts 9 3 

V23. Betsey Baker, farce, 1 act 2 2 

''•7. Birthplace of Podgers, farce, 1 act.. 7 3 

j6. Black Slieep, drama, 3 acts 7 5 

J19. Black-Eyed SiL-an, drama, 2 acts. . .14 2 

1(06. Black and White, drama, 3 acts 6 3 

iho. Blow fur Blow, drama, 4 acts 11 6 

"iTO. Breach of Promi«e, drama, 2 acts. . 5 2 

25. Broken-Hearted Club, comedietta.. 4 8 

70. Botmie Fish Wife, farce, 1 act 3 1 

261. Bottle (Tlie), drama, 2 acts 11 6 

226. Box and Cox, Romance, J act 2 1 

24. Cabman No. 93, farce, 1 act 2 2 

199. Captaiu of the Watch, comedietta, 

1 act 6 2 

1. Caste, comedy, 3 acts 5 3 

175, Oast upon the World, drama, 5 acts. 11 5 
55. Catharine Howard, historical play, 

3 acts 12 6 

GZ. Cauglit by the Cuff, farce, 1 act 4 1 

80. Cbarming Pair, farce, 1 act 4 3 

65. Checkmate, comedy, 2 acts £ 5 

68. Chevalier de St. George, drama, 3a. 9 3 
lig. Chimney' Corner (The), domestic 

dran-ia, 3 acts 5 2 

76. Chops of the Channel, farce, 1 act.. 3 2 
f)5. Civcunistances alter Cases, comio 

operetta, 1 act 1 1 

W9. Clouds, comedy, 4 acts 8 7 

Ul. Oonaica?. Countess, farce, 1 act 3 1 



222. 
248. 
107. 
15-2. 
52. 
148. 

113. 

•20. 

286. 

4. 

22. 
275. 

90. 

16. 

58. 
1'25. 

71. 
142. 
204. 

21. 
260. 
210. 
263. 
186. 
242. 

47. 
283. 

202. 
315. 
297. 

200. 
135. 
•230. 
103. 



Cool as a Cucnmber, farce, 1 act.... 3 3 

Cricket on the Hearth, drama, 3 acts 8 6 

Cupboard Love, farce, 1 act 2 1 

Cupid's Eye-Glass, comedy, 1 act.. 1 1 

Cup of Tea, comedietta, 1 act 3 1 

Cut Off with a Shilling, comedietta, 

1 act 2 1 

Cyril's Success, comedy, 5 acts 10 4 

Daddy Gray, drama, 3 acts 8 4 

Daisy Fann, drama, 4 acts 10 ' 

Dandelion's Dodges, farce, 1 act... 4 i. 

David Ga.rick, comedy, 3 acts. . ... .8 S 

Day After the Wedding, farce, 1 act 4 2 

Dearest Mamma, comedietta, 1 act.. 4 3 

Dearer than Life, drama, 3 acts 6 6 

Deborah (Lrah), drama, 3 acts 7 6 

Deerfoot, fa fee, 1 act 5 1 

Doing for the Best, drama, 2 acts . . 5 3 

Dollars and Cents, comedy, 3 acts. . 9 4 

Drawing Boom Car(A),coniedy,l act 2 J 

Dreams, (ivama, 5 acts,. 6 S 

Drunkard's Warning, drama, 3 arts 6 3 

Drunkard's Doom (The), drama, 2a. 15 5 

Drunkard (The), drama, 5 acts 13 6 

Duchess de la Vallier-^ play, 5 acts.. 6 4 

Dumb Belle (The), farce, 1 act 4 3 

Easy Shaving, farce, 1 act f 1 

E. C. B. Susan Jane, musical bur- 
lesque, 1 act L 1 

Eileen Oge, Iri.sli drama, 4 acts 11 3 

Electric Love, farce, 1 act 1 1 

English Gentleman (An), comedy- 
drama, 4 acts 7 4 

Estranged, operetta, 1 act 2 \ 

Everybody's Friend, comedy, 3 acts 6 Si 

Family Jars, musical farce, 2 acts.. 5 a 

Faust and Marguerite, drama, 3 acts 9 ^ 
Fearful Tragedy in the Seven Dials, 

interlude, 1 act 4 ^ 

Female Detective, drama, 3 acts 11 i. 

Fernande. drama, 3 acts '.1 19 

Fifth Wheel, comedy, 3 acts 10 S 

Fifteen Years of a Drunkard's Life, 

melodrama, 3 acts 13 i 

First Love, comedy, 1 act 4 i 

Foiled, drama. 4 acts .9 ? 

Founded ou Facts, fkrce, 1 aet 4 * 



DE WITT'S ACTING PLAYS-Continued. 



«S9. rrulis of tbe Wine Cnp, drama, 3 cts 6 3 

IJ2. Game of Cards (A), comedietta, la.. 3 1 

71. (iarrick Fever, larce, 1 act 7 4 

53. Gsjr'jrude's Mouey Box, farce, 1 act. 4 2 

73. Gk.lc'.eu Fetters (Fetteriid), drama, 3.11 4 
30. Gcos^ witli tiie aoldeu Kyys, larce, 

I- act 5 3 

131. Gc to Putuey, farce, 1 act 4 3 

276. Gojd lor Nothiug.- comic drama, la. 5 1 
W6. Gn at Success (A), comedy, 3 acts. . 8 5 

277. Griaishivw, Bagsliaw and Bradsbaw, 

farce, 1 act ■* 2 

206. Heir Apparent (The), farce, 1 act... 5 1 

24 1 . Haudy Audy, drama, 2 acts 10 3 

28. Ha; py Pair, comedietta, 1 act 1 1 

151. Hal d Case (A), farce, 1 act 2 

8. Hei ry Dunbar, drama, 4 acts 10 3 

180. Heur'y the Fifth, hist, play, 5 acts. . 38 5 

03. Hei Only Fault, comedietta, 1 act.. 2 2 

19. He'„ a Lunatic, farce, 1 act 3 2 

30. Hiddei Hand, drama, 4 acts 5 5 

,yi. High C, comedietta, 1 act 3 3 

AG. High Life Below Stairs, farce, 2 acts. 9 5 

301. Hii.ko, romantic drama, 6 acts 12 7 

;24. Hit Last Legs, farce, 2 acts 5 3 

iH7. Hit Own Enemy, farce, 1 act 5 1 

174. Home, comedy. 3 acts 4 3 

211. Honesty is tbe Best Policy, play, 1. 2 

64. HJiisehold Fairy, oketch, 1 act 1 1 

190. Hunting; the Slippers, farce, lact.. 4 1 

197. Hunchljack (The), play, 5 acts 13 2 

223. Ici on Parle Francais, farce, iact... 3 4 

'52. Idiot Witness, melodrama, 3 acts. . . 6 1 

18. If I had a Thousand a Year, farce, 14 3 

116. I'm not Mesilf at all, Irish stew, la. 3 2 

129. In for a Holiday, farce, 1 act 2 3 

159. In the Wrong House, farce, 1 act.. . 4 2 

m. Irish Attorney (The), farce, 2 acts.. 8 2 

*M. Irish Broom Maker, farce. 1 act. ... 9 3 

J73. Irishman in London, farce, 1 acts. . 3 

'tri^. Irish Lion (The), farce, 1 act 8 3 

^1. Irish Post (Tbe), drama. 1 act 9 3 

-:i4. Irish Tutor (The), farce, 1 act 5 2 

70. Irish Tiger (The), farce, 1 act 5 1 

.j74. Irish Widow (The), farce, 2 acts 7 1 

122. Isabella Orsiui, drama, 4 acts 11 4 

177. I Shall Invite the Major, comedy, 14 1 

TOO. Jack Long, drama, 2 acts 9 2 

299. Joan of Arc, hist, play, 5 acts 26 

139. Joy is Dangerous, comedy, 2 acts.. 3 3 

17. Kind to a Fault, comedv, 2 acts. ... 6 4 

333. Kiss in tbe Dark (A), farce, 1 act.... 2 3 

309. Ladies' Battle (The), comndy, 3 acts 7 2 

86. Lady of Lyons, play, 5 acts 12 5 

137. L' Article 47, dratha, 3 acts 11 5 

72. Lame Excuse, farce, 1 act 4 2 

114. Lancashire Lass, melodrama, 4 acts. 12 3 i 

34. Larkins' Love Letters, fnrce, 1 act.. 3 2i 

189. Leap Year, musical duality, 1 act — 1 1' 

£53. Lend Me Five Shillings, farce, 1 act 5 3 

111. Liar (The), comedy, 2 acts 7 2 

1 19. Life Chase, drama, 5 acts 14 5 

!39. Limerick Boy (The), farce, 1 act 5 2 

48. Little Annie's Birthday, farce, 1 act..2 4 

32. Little llfbel, farce, 1 act 4 3 

264. Little R'.iby, drama, 3 acts 6 6 

195. Little Eni'l V, drama, 4 acts 8 8 

16,5. Living Statue (The), farce, 1 act 3 2 

fZS. Loan of a Lover'The^> v-^ixdeville,!. 4 1 



109. 
85. 
87. 

143. 

212. 

291. 

210. 

103. 

154. 
63. 

249. 

208. 
39 
7 
49 
15 
46 
51 

302. 

184. 

250. 

312. 

234. 
108. 
188. 
169. 
216. 
236. 
193. 

267. 
130. 
92. 
218. 
140. 

115. 
2. 

57. 
104. 
112. 
298. 
185. 

84. 
117. 

171. 

14. 
300. 
269. 
268. 
173. 
227. 
176! 
2.)4. 

••<3. 
S. 

40. 
170. 
289. 

97. 

66. 
209. 
172. 

94. 

45. 
1.55. 
178. 



Locked in, comedietta, 1 act .1 I 

Locked in with a Lady, sketch 1 i 

Locked Out, comic scene l\ 

Lodgers and Dodgers, farce, 1 act.. 4 i 
Loudon Assurance, comedy, 6 acts. 10 3 

M. P.. comedy, 4 acts 7 2 

Mabel's WaucEUvre, interlude, 1 act 1 3 

Marcoretti, drama, 3 acts 10 3 

Maria and Jlagdaleua, play, 4 acts ..86 
Marriage at any Price, farce, 1 act. . 5 3 
Marriage a Lottery, comedy, 2 acts. 3 4 
Married Bachelors, comedietta, la.. 3 2 
Master Jones' Birthday, farce, 1 act 4 2 

Maud's Peril, drama, 4 acts 5 C 

Midnight Watch, drama, 1 act 8 S 

Milky White, drama, 2 acts 4 2 

Miriam's Crime, drama, 3 acts 5 2 

Model of a Wife, farce, 1 act 3 2 

Model Pair (A), comedy, 1 act 2 2 

Money, comedy, 5 acts 17 3 

More Blunders than One, farce, la. 4 ' 
More Sinned against than Sinning, 

original Irish drama, 4 acts 11 

Morning C.all (A), comedietta, 1 act. 1 t 

Mr. Scroggins, farce, 1 act 3 ', 

Ml X., farce, 1 act 3 3 

My Uncle's Suit, farce, 1 act 4 I 

Mj Neighbor's Wife, farce, J act 3 8 

My Turn Next, farce, 1 act 4 3 

My Walking Photograph, musical 

duality, 1 act 1 1 

My Wife's Bonnet, farce, 1 act 3 t 

My W.'fe's Diary, farce, 1 act 3 ) 

Mj Wife's Out, farce, 1 act 2 

Naral Engagements, farce, 2 acts. . . 4 ^ 
Never Beckon your Chickens, etc., 

farce. ? act 3 i 

New Mer and Old Acres, comedy, 3 8 B 

Nobody's Child, drama, 3 acts 18 3 

Noemie, drama, 2 acts.. 4 4 

No Name, f'rama, 5 acts 7 6 

Not a b't J jaJous, larce, 1 act 3 3 

Not if I Know it, larce, 1 act 4 4 

Not so bad as we Seem, play, 5 acts.lS 3 

Not Guilty, di'ama. 4 acts 10 t 

Not such a Fool as he Looks, drama, 

3 acts 5 4 

Nothing liVe Pftfte, farce, 1 act 3 1 

No Thoroug'ifarfc, drama, 5 acts. . . .13 6 

Notre Dame, dran^a, 3 acts 11 8 

Object of Intorest ^ An), farce, 1 act. 4 3 
Obstinate Family ('Ibe). farce, 1 act. 3 3 

Off the Stags, comer'ietta, 1 act 3 8 

Omnibus (The), farcO, 1 act 8 4 

On Bread and Water, farce, 1 act. . . 1 2 

One Too Many, fa'-ce, T act 4 2 

One Too Many for Him farce, 1 act 2 3 

£100,000, comedy, 3 actf 8 4 

Only a Hallpenny, farce, 1 act 2 3 

Only Somebody, farce, 1 act 4 i 

On the Jury, drama, 4 acts 5 J 

Orange Blossoms, comcdi<^tf». 1 act 3 l 

Orange Girl, drama. 4 acts 18 4 

Othello, tragedy, 5 acts 16 J 

Ours, comedy, 3 acts (i « 

Our Clerks, farce, 1 act ''•X 

Our Domestics, comedy-farce ?9'^s ft \\^ 
Our Heroes, military play, 5 nets .24 5 
Out at Sea, drama, S acts , . • ' 7 6 



DE WITT'S AOTma PLAYS-CoDtbued, 



l47. Ovprland Koiite, comedy, 3 acts 11 5 

oOo. lair of Shoes (A), farce, 1 act ...4 3 

285. Piirtners fur Life, comedy, a acts. ... 7 4 

156. Peace at any Price, force, 1 act 1 1 

H'2. Peep o' l>ay, drama, 4 acts 12 4 

tn. I'eggy Green, farce, 1 act 3 10 

23. Petticoat Parliament, extravagauza, 

lact 15 24 

"93. Pliilomel, romautic drama, 3 acts... C 4 

C2. Pliotograpliic I'ix, farce, 1 act 3 2 

61. Plot aud Passion, drama, 3 acts. ... 7 2 

J38. Poll and Partner Joe, burlesqe, la.. 10 3 

;'17. Fooi- Pillicoddy, farce, 1 act 2 3 

JIO. Poppleton's Predicaments, farce, la. 3 6 

60. Porter's Knot, drama, 2 acts 8 2 

59. Post Boy, drama. 2 acts 5 3 

95. Pretty Horse-Brealjer, farce 3 10 

tSO. Pretty Piece of Business (A), come- 
dy, 1 act 2 3 

181. 182. Queen Mary, drajia, 4 acts 37 9 

;96. Queerest Courtehip (The), comic 

operetta, 1 act 1 I 

355. Quiet Family, farce, 1 act 4 4 

157. Quite at Home, comedietta, 1 act... 5 2 

132. Baee for a Dinner, farce, 1 act 10 

•237. Regular Fix (A), farce, 1 act 6 4 

183. llichelieu, play, 5 acta 12 2 

38. Riglitful Heir, drama, 5 acts 10 2 

77. Roll of the Drum, drama, 3 acts .... 8 4 
816. Romeo on the Gridiron (A), mono- 
logue, for a lady 1 

19.'). Rosemi Shell, burlesque, 4 scenes.. 6 3 

247. Rough Diamond (The), farce, 1 act. 6 3 

194. Rum, drama, 3 acts 7 4 

13. Ruy Bias, drama, 4 acts» 12 4 

229. Sarah's Young Man, farce, 1 act. ... 3 3 

158. School, comedy, 4 acts, 6 C 

201. School for Scandal, comedy, 5 acts. .13 4 

264. Scrap of Paper (A), comic drama, 3a. 6 

79. Sheep iuWolf's Clothing, drama, la 7 5 

^03. She Stoops to Conquer, comedy, 5a.l5 4 

37. Silent Protector, farce, 1 act , 3 2 

35. Silent Woman, farce, 1 act 2 1 

J13. Single Married Man (A), comic ope- 
retta, 1 act 6 2 

43. Sisterly Service, comedietta, 1 act. . 7 2 

6. Six Mouths Ago, comedietta, 1 act.. 2 1 

221. Slasher aud Crasher, farce. 1 act... 5 2 

10. Snapping Turtles, duologue, 1 act. . .1 1 

26. Society, comedy, 3 acts 16 5 

iiil. Sold Again, comic operetta, 1 act... 3 1 

304. Sparking, comedietta, 1 act 1 2 

78. Special Performances, farce, 1 act. . 7 3 
215. Still Waters Run Deep, comedy, 3a. 9 2 
1.'56. Sweethearts, dramatic contrast, 2a.. 2 2 
232. Tail (Tale) of a Shark, musical mon- 
ologue, 1 scene ,^., 1 

31. Taming a Tiger, farce, 1 act 3 

150. Tell-Tale Heart, comedietta, 1 act.. 1 2 

120. Tempest in a Teapot, comedy, 1 act 2 1 



U. 1 

257. Ten Nights in a Bar Eoom, drama, 

5 acts 8 ^ 

146. There's no Smoke without Fire, 

comedietta, 1 act 1 3 

83. Thrice Married, personation piece, 

1 act fl 1 

245. Thumping Legacy (A), 1 act 1 1 

251. Ticket of Leave Man, drama, 4 acts. 9 3 

42. Time anil the Hour, drama, 3 acts. 7 3 

27. Time aud Tide, drama, 4 acts 7 3 

133. Timothy to the Rescue, farce, 1 act 4 3 
15a. 'Xis Better to Live than to Die, 

farce, 1 act 2 1 

134. Tompkins the Troubadour, farce. 1. 3 i 

272. Toodles (The), drama, 2 acts 10 3 

235, To Oblige Benson, comedietta, 1 act 3 2 

238. Trying It On, farce, 1 act 3 3 

29 Turning the Tables, farce, 1 act. ... 5 3 

214. Turn Him Out, farce, 1 act 3 2 

ICt^. T\ve€die's Eights, comedy, 2 acts.. 4 2 

126. Twice Killed, farce, 1 act 6 3 

231. 'Twixt Axe aud Crown, play, 5 acts.24 13 

198. Twin Sisters, comic operetta. 1 act. 2 2 

265. Two Bounycastlcs, farce, 1 act 3 3 

220. Two Buzzards (The), farce, 1 act. ... 3 T 

66. Two Gav Deceivers, face, 1 act 3 

123. Two Polts, farce, 1 act 4 4 

288. Two Roses (The), comedy. 3 acts. ..74 

292. Two Thorns (The), comedy, 4 acts.. 9 4 

294. Uncle Dick's Darling, drama, 3 acts 6 5 

1G2. Uncle's Will, comedietta, 1 act 2 1 

106. Up for the Cattle Show, farce, 1 act 6 2 

81. Vandyke Brown, farce, 1 act 3 3 

317. Veteran of 1812 (The), romantic mil- 
itary drama, 5 acts 12 2 

124. Volunteer Review, farce. 1 act 6 6 

91. Walpole, comedy in rhyme 7 2 

118. Wanted, a Young Lady, farce, 1 act. 2 1 
2S1. Wanted, One Thousand Spirited 
Young Milliners for the Gold Re- 
gions, farce, 1 act 3 V 

44. War to to the Knife, comedy, 3 acts 5 4 

311. What Tears can do, comedietta, la.. 3 ^ 

105. Which of the Two? comedietta, la.. 2 10 

266. Who Killed Cock Robin? farce, 2a.. 2 2 

98. Who is Who? farce 3 2 

12. Widow Hunt, comedy, 3 acts 4 4 

213. AVidow (The), comedy, 3 acts 7 6 

5. William Tell with a Vengeance, bur- 
lesque S ^' 

„.. (Window Curtain, monologue.... \\ 

\ Circumstantial Evidence " 1 

136. 'Woman mi Red, drama, 4 acts 6 8 

161. Woman's Vows and Masons' Oaths, 

drama, 4 acts 10 4 

11, Woodcock's Little Game, farce, 2a.. 4 4 
290. Wrong Man in the Eight Place (A), 

farce, 1 act 2 3 

54. Young Collegian, farce, 1 act 3 2 



( 



A COMPLETE DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OP DE 'WITT'S ACT- 
'ING PLAYS AND DE WITT'S ETHIOPIAN AND COMIC DRAMAS, 
containing Plot, Costume, Scenery, Time of Representation, and all other informa.' 
tion, inailed free and post paid on application. Address 

DE ^ ITT, gj3 Rose Sf-^et, Nev York. 



OE WITT'S DRAWING-ROOM OPERETTAS. 



J^" TO MUSICAL AMATEURS. .^J 

The number of Musical Amateurs, both ladies and gentlemen, is not only vtry 
large, but is constantly increasing, and very naturally, for there is no more re-' 
fined and pleasant mode of spending leisure hours than in singing and inlaying the 
choice productions of the best Composers. Hitherto there has been an almost total 
iick of suitable pieces adapted to an evening's entertainment in Parlors by Amateurs. 
ax course whole Operas, or even parts of Operas, require orchestral accompani- 
Inents and full choruses to give them effect, and are therefore clearly unfit for 
Amateur performance, while a succession of songs lacks the interest given by a 
5)lot and a contrast of characters. In this series (a list of which is given below) v^ 
'havo endeavored to supply this want. The best Music of popular Composers is wed- 
ded to appropriate words, and the whole dovetailed into plots that are effective as 
mere petite plays, but are rendered doubly interesting by the appropriate and heaiur 
H/vl Music, specially arranged for tliem. 



LIST OF DE WITT'S MUSICAL PLAYS. 

PRICE 15 CENTS EACH. 



CEAP TEAK— A Musical Dual- 
ity, By Alfred B. Sedgwick. Mu 
Bic selected and .adapted from Of-. 
FENBACU's celebrated Opera, " Oene- 
vieve de Brabant." One Male, one 
Female Character. 

THE TWIN SISTEES-Comic 

Operetta, in One Act. The Music 
selected from the most popular num- 
bers in Le Cocq's celebrated Opera 
Bouffe, " Girojle Girofla,'' and the 
Libretto written by Alfred B. Sedg- 
wick. Two Male, Two Female 
Characters. 

SJLD AGAIN AND GOT THE 

MONEY.— Comic Operetta, m One 
Act. The Music composed and the 
Libretto written by Alfred B. Sedg- 
wick. Three Male, One Female 
Character. 

THE QUEEREST OOUETSHIP. 

— Coinic Operetta, iu One Act. The 
Music arranged from Offenbach's 
cekbrated Opera, " La Princesse de 
Trebizonde" and the Libretto writ- 
teus by Alfred B. Sedgwick. One 
Male, One Female Character. 



ESTEANGED— An Operetta, in 
One Act, The Musi* arranged from 
Verdi's celebrated Opera, '■II Trov- 
atore."'' and the feibretto adapted b.f 
Alfred B. Sedgwick. Two Male, 
One Female Character. 

OIEOTJMSTANOES ALTEH 

CASES. — Comic Operetta, in One 
Act. The music composed and th© 
Libretto written by Alfred B. Sedg- 
wick. One Male, One Female Chatv 

MY WALKING PHOTOGEAPE 

— Musical Duality, in One Act. The 
Music arranged from Le Cocq's. 
Opera, 'La Fille de Madame Angot," 
and the Libretto written by Aifued 
B. Sedgwick. One Male, One Fe- 
male Character. 

A SINGLE MAEEIED MAN.- 

Comic Operetta, In One Act. Tho 
Music arransed from Offenbach's 
celebrated Opera Bouffe, " Madame 
r Archiduc,'''' and the Libretto writ- 
ten by Alfred B. Sedgwick. Six 
Male, Two Female Characters. 



kOLLT MOEIAETY.--An Irish 

* Musical Sketch, in One Act. The 
Music composed and the Dialogue 
written by Alfred B. Sedgwick. 
One Male, one Female Character. 
Suitable for the Variety Stage. 

THE OHAEGE OF THE HASH 

BRIGADE.— A Comic Irish Musical 
Sketch. The Music composed and 
the Libretto written by Joseph P. 
Skellv. Two Male, two Female 
Character^ Suitable for the Fawiy 
Stage. _ 



GAMBEINTJg. KING OF LAGER 

BEER.— A Musical Ethiopian Bur- 
lesque, in One Act. Music and Dia- 
logue by Frank Dumont. Eight 
Male, one Female Character. Suita- 
ble for the Ethiopian Stage. 

AEEIOANUS BLUEBEAED.-A 

Musical Ethiopian Burlesque, in Ono 
Act. Music and Dialogue by Frank 
Dumont. Four Male, four FemaU 
Characters. Suitable for the Ethio- 
pian Stage. 



I)E WITT'S ETHIOPIAN AND COMIC DRAMA.-Contiuued. 



94. 
1U3. 

1. 
36. 

18. 
60. 
37. 

!I0. 
10',!. 

19. 
Ii9, 
1.51 

90, 
U7 



117, 

44, 

8, 

119. 

49, 
132, 
14.5, 

22. 

27, 
123, 

30 
111 

76, 
91, 



Joalnus Husband, sl<etcU 2 

.Jiilms tlie Siioozer. burlesque, 3 Bc. 6 
KiUnua's Little Game, Dutch act, 

1 Kceue 1 

Last of the Mohicaus, sketch 3 

Lau;,;liiiiS Gas, sketch, 1 scene 6 

Live Injun, sketch, 4 scenes 4 

Lost Will, sketch 4 

Lucky Job, farce, 2 scenes 3 

Lunatic (The), I'ai'ce, 1 scene 3 

.■\rakinfT a Hit, furce, 2 scenes 4 

^[ali<-ious Trespass, sketch, 1 scene. 3 

"MtM-iky. Ethiopian farce^ 1 scene... 3 

:\licky'Free, Irish sketch, 1 scene.. 5 

Midnight Intruder, farce. 1 scene . 6 
Milliner's Shop (The). Ethiopian 

sketch, 1 scene 2 

Moko Marionettes, Ethiox^iau eccen- 
tricity, 2 scenes 4 

Molly Moriartj-, Irish musical 

sketch, 1 scene 1 

Motor Bellows, comedy, 1 act 4 

Musical Servant, sketch. 1 scene 3 

Mutton Trial, sketch, 2 scenes .... 4 

My Wife's Visitors, comic drama, Isc. 6 

Nisht in a Strange Hotel, sketch, Isc. 2 

Noble Savage, Ethl'n sketch, 1 sc. .. 4 

No Pay No Cure, Ethi'n sketch, 1 BC. 5 

Obevint; Orders, sketch, 1 scene — 2 

lOOti) Ni'^'ht of Hamlet, sketch 7 

Oh, Hush ! operatic olio 4 

One Night in a Bar Room, sketch . . 7 
One Night in a Medical College, 

Ethiopian sketch, 1 scene 7 

One, Two, Threa, sketch, 1 scene., 7 

Painter's Apprentice, farce, 1 .scene, 5 
Pete and the Peddler, Negro and 

Irish sketch, 1 scene 2 

Pleasant Companions, Ethiopian 

sketch, 1 scene 5 

Polar Bear (The), farce, 1 scene, ... 4 

Policy Players, sketch, 1 scene 7 

Ponipey's Patients, interlude, 2 sc. 6 

Porter's Troubles, sketch, 1 scene.. 6 

Port Wine vs. Jealousy, skejch 2 

Private ]5oardiiig, comedy, 1 scene. 2 

Recruiting Office, sketch, 1 act 5 

Rehearsal (Tlie). Irish farce, 2 sc. . . 3 

Remittance from Home. sketch. 1 sc. 6 

Rig 'ing a Purchase, sketch, 1 ec. . . 3 



1 


81. 




138. 


1 




1 


15. 


1 


59. 


1 


21. 




81). 


2 






84. 




38. 




74. 


1 


46. 




69. 


1 


56. 




72, 


2 


13. 




10. 


.5 


7. 




121. 


1 






47. 




54. 




100. 


I 


102. 




34. 




122. 


J 


2. 


1 


104. 


1 


5. 




28. 




134. 


1 


62. 




32. 




39. 




75. 


1 






93. 


1 


29. 


1 


97. 




137. 


1 


143. 


1 




3 


99. 



M. F. 

Rival Artists, sketch, 1 scene 4 

Rival Tenants, sketch 4 

Rival Barbers' Shops (The). Ethio- 
pian farce, 1 scene 6 1 

Sam's Courtship, farce, 1 act 2 1 

Sausage Makers, sketch, 2 scenes. . 5 1 

Scampiui', pantomiuie, 2 scenes 3 3 

Scenes on the Mississippi, sketch, 

2 scenes.. 6 

Serenade (The), sketch, 2 scenes.. . . 7 

Siamese Twins, sketch. 2 scenes 5 

Sleep Walker, sketcli, 2 scenes 3 

Slippery Day, sketch, 1 scene 6 1 

Squire lor a Day, sketch. 5 1 

Stage-struck Couple, interlude. 1 sc, 2 1 

Stranger, burlesque, 1 scene 1 2 

Streets of New York, sketch, 1 sc. . . 6 
Storming the Fort, sketcli. 1 scene. 5 

Stupid Servant, sketch. 1 scene 2 

Stocks Up ! Stocks Down ! Negro 

duologue, 1 scene 2 

Take It, Don't Take It, sketch, 1 sc. 2 

Them Pajiers, sketch, 1 scene 3 

Three Chiefs (The), sketch, 1 scene. 6 

Three A. M., sketch, 2 scenes 3 1 

Three Strings to one Bow, sketch, 

1 scene 4 1 

Ticket Taker. Ethi'u farce, 1 scene, 3 

Tricks, sketch 5 2 

Two Awfuls (The), sketch, 1 scene.. 5 

Two Black Roses, sketch 4 ] 

Uncle Eph's Dream, sketch, 2 sc. ., 3 1 
Unlimited Cheek, sketch, 1 scene. . 4 I 
Vinegar Bitters, sketch, 1 scene. .. . 6 1 
Wake up. William Henry sketch... 3 
Wanted, a Nurse, sketch, 1 scene... 4 
We.ston, the Walkist, Dutch sketch. 

1 scene 7 1 

Wliat shall I Take? sketch, 1 scene. 7 1 
AVho Died First? sketch, 1 scene. . . 3 1 

Who's the Actor? farce, 1 scene 4 

Who.se Baby is it? Ethiopian sketch, 

1 scene 2 1 

Wonderful Telephone (The), Ethio- 
pian sketch, 1 scene 4 1 

Wrong Woman in the Right Place. 

sketch, 2 scenes 2 2 

Young Scamp, sketch, 1 scene,. ... 3 
Zacharias' Funeral, farce, 1 scene.. 5 



^,^--;^^^ A COMPLETE DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF DE WITT'S ACT- 
l|5l!S^ING PLAY§ AND DE WITT'S ETHIOPIAN AND COMIC DRAMAS, 
containing Plot, Costume, Scenery. Time of Representation, and all other informa- 
tion, mailed free and post paid on application. Address 



DE WITT, Publisher, 

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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



014 153 153 (^ 



M IMispBisalilB Bool for Anateirs. 



HOW TO MAMaE 
AMATEtlH THEATEICALa 



Being plain instructions for construction and arrangement of Stage, 
making Scenery, getting up Costumes, ^^ Making Up" to represent 
different ages and characters, and how to produce stage Illusions and 
Effects. Also hints for the management of Amateur Dramatic Clubs, 
and a list of pieces suitable for Drawing Room Performances. Hand- 
somely illustrated with Colored Plates. 

Price, 25 Cents, 



DE WITT'S SELECTIONS 

FOR 

AMATEUR AND PARLOR THEATRICALS. 

Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5. 

Being choice selections from the very best Dramas, Comedies and 
Farces. Specially adapted for presentation by Amateurs, and for 
Parlor and Drawing Room Entertainments. 

Each number^ 25 Cents. 

PANTOMIME PLAY . 

"HUMPTY DUMPTY." 

The celebrated Pantomime, as originally played for 1,000 nights by the 
late Geokge L. Fox. Arranged by John Denier. Esq. Eight male, 
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Price, 25 Cents, 



